Name: Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 30 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; pinch ground nutmeg (optional but recommended); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 16 oz shredded whole milk Mozzarella cheese (part skim will work as well); 1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 12 oz box dried oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles; 1 batch bolognese sauce (see instructions or use 5-6 cups store-bought); additional minced fresh basil; minced fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild); 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 7 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry red wine (or substitute with beef broth); 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 2/3 cup beef broth (reduced sodium preferred); 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 Tbsp dried parsley (optional); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 19 reviews

If you’re craving a soul-warming, comfort-food classic that never disappoints, you’re in the right place. This Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests or just feed my family a meal packed with rich flavors but still hearty and satisfying. It’s that perfect balance of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a robust bolognese sauce layered between tender oven-ready noodles—pure magic. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll quickly become a staple on your weekly dinner rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavor Harmony: Each layer combines creamy, cheesy, and meaty components that build up great depth in every bite.
Use of Oven-Ready Noodles: Saves you time and fuss—no boiling required, but still perfectly tender after baking.
Balanced Richness: The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses balance the hearty bolognese sauce, keeping it luscious without feeling heavy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the sauce or herbed ricotta ahead to make weeknight dinners or entertaining a breeze.

Hearty Bolognese Lasagna, best Bolognese lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, comfort food lasagna, layered pasta dish - A white rectangular dish filled with lasagna is shown, with one large piece taken out. The lasagna has several visible layers including a rich, dark red meat sauce, pale yellow pasta sheets with ruffled edges, and melted white cheese with a slightly browned top. The meat sauce layer appears thick and textured, while the cheese is spread unevenly and speckled with small green herb bits. A white plate on the side holds a small piece of lasagna, resting on a green leaf, with a silver fork nearby. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth partially visible next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe brings together a handful of ingredient stars that play so well together. From the creamy ricotta seasoned just right with herbs and a hint of nutmeg, to the rich meat sauce bursting with savory notes—each one delivers something special. Here’s why I always pick these ingredients and some quick shopping tips to make your prep easier.

Hearty Bolognese Lasagna, best Bolognese lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, comfort food lasagna, layered pasta dish - Flat lay of a small bowl of whole milk ricotta cheese mixed with dried Italian seasoning, a few fresh basil leaves minced, one large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a simple white plate with wavy oven-ready lasagna noodles stacked neatly, a generous scoop of rich bolognese sauce in a white ceramic bowl showing visible ground beef, tomato chunks, and herbs, a small white bowl filled with shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh basil, a small white bowl of minced fresh parsley, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this is the perfect base for layering, and the whole milk version adds extra richness that you’ll taste in every bite.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that brings fragrant depth without needing fresh herbs all the time.
Fresh basil: Gives freshness and a bright, sweet herbal note; always better freshly minced just before mixing.
Kosher salt: For seasoning that works well with the ricotta and balances out the meat sauce’s robust flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle kick and sharpness that livens up the creaminess.
Ground nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch adds a lovely warmth that enhances the ricotta without overpowering.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so the layers hold together nicely when you slice into the lasagna.
Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with that classic stretchy texture everyone loves in lasagna layers.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must—adds umami and a salty tang that rounds out the cheese layers perfectly.
Oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles: These noodles simplify your life—no boiling needed, just layer and bake. If you can’t find them, boil regular noodles or soften with hot water as a substitute.
Bolognese sauce: The star of the show! Homemade is my preference to control flavors, but a quality store-bought sauce works too. I include my go-to recipe below for an extra hearty sauce that’s rich and full of flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe my own depending on who’s coming over or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to customize—adding or swapping ingredients is part of the fun. You’ll find the dish still shines when you make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap Italian sausage for spicy chorizo to kick up the heat. The layers get that smoky depth, and everyone always asks what’s different!
Vegetarian version: You can swap the bolognese for a hearty mushroom and lentil ragu—just cook it down well and add extra Parmesan for richness.
Herb twist: On occasion, I use fresh thyme and oregano if the garden is bursting. It brightens the ricotta and sauce in a subtle but fresh way.
Make it lighter: Use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta for a lighter take without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Build a Flavorful Base with Bolognese Sauce

Start by preparing the bolognese sauce. I highly recommend making it from scratch if you have the time—the slow-simmered meat sauce really brings out the layered flavors. If you’re short on time, a high-quality jarred sauce works beautifully too. Be sure to have around 5-6 cups ready, as this recipe is generous with its sauce layers. Once your sauce is ready, keep it warm for assembly.

Step 2: Season Your Ricotta Just Right

While the sauce simmers, mix the ricotta with your seasonings: Italian seasoning, fresh basil, kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg, half of the grated Parmesan, and one lightly beaten egg to help bind everything together. I usually prepare this in a large bowl and set it aside, stirring gently before layering. This herbed ricotta mix gives a creamy, flavorful contrast to the meat sauce.

Step 3: Layer Like a Pro

Spray a deep 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks after baking. Start with a ladle of bolognese spread evenly across the bottom. Then add 4 oven-ready noodles on top. Spread about a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Next, spread 1 to 1.5 cups of sauce on top, then sprinkle a quarter cup of Parmesan. Repeat these layers twice more, and top it off with a final noodle layer, bolognese sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. A dash of extra Italian seasoning on top never hurts!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with nonstick-sprayed foil—spraying the foil side down prevents the cheese from sticking. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil to let the top get beautifully golden and bubbly in another 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and slightly browned, bubbling deliciously around the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Patience is key here because letting your lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting allows the layers to set up and makes serving easier (and prettier!). Sprinkle freshly minced basil and parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving. Trust me, this last touch makes it feel extra special.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps the layers firm up for clean slices, making your plating look pro-level.
Spray Foil with Oil: Spraying the foil prevents cheese from sticking, which saves so much frustration during baking and cleanup.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect melt and flavor—fresh grating melts smoother and tastes fresher.
Customize Sauce Consistency: If your bolognese is too thick, thin slightly with beef broth before layering; if too thin, simmer longer to thicken—it’ll bake better.

How to Serve Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Hearty Bolognese Lasagna, best Bolognese lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, comfort food lasagna, layered pasta dish - A close-up of a fork lifting a piece of lasagna showing three distinct layers: the top layer has melted light yellow cheese with some green herb leaves scattered, below that is a thick rich red tomato meat sauce layer with browned ground meat, and at the bottom is creamy yellow lasagna pasta sheets mixed with bits of white ricotta cheese and small green herbs. The lasagna looks soft and juicy with sauce slightly spreading on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish my Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe with a generous sprinkle of freshly minced basil and curly parsley—both add a fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil also works wonders. It’s those little touches that make your guests feel like you went the extra mile.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic-roasted broccoli. A crusty loaf of artisan bread on the side also helps sop up any sauce—plus, who doesn’t appreciate a good bread basket with their lasagna?

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this lasagna in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions—it’s a fun presentation that feels upscale and cuts down on serving mess. Another time, I baked it in smaller square pans for easy leftovers packaging, which made for delightful weekday lunches that still felt indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lasagna? I tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap, then foil, and keep it in the fridge—it stays fresh for up to 4 days. I always find it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld, so leftovers are a winner in my book!

Freezing

I freeze portions individually wrapped in foil and plastic wrap to protect from freezer burn. This recipe holds up well frozen for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing before baking for the best texture after reheating, though baked leftovers also freeze well.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes—this helps keep the lasagna moist. For smaller portions, a microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method retains the layered textures best.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready noodles?

Yes! If you don’t have oven-ready noodles, you can either boil regular noodles until tender or soak them in hot water for 20-30 minutes to soften before assembling. Just drain well to prevent too much liquid in your lasagna.
Is it okay to use store-bought bolognese sauce?

Absolutely. While I love making my homemade bolognese for flavor control and freshness, using a high-quality store-bought sauce like Rao’s is a great shortcut that still yields delicious results.
Can I prepare the sauce and ricotta mixture ahead of time?

Yes! The bolognese sauce can be made several days in advance and refrigerated, and the herbed ricotta mixture can also be combined up to a day ahead. Just stir both gently before assembling your lasagna.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?

Letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes allows it to set up nicely, which makes slicing easier and keeps the layers intact on the plate. Plus, it cools just enough to enjoy right away without burning your mouth!

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Bolognese Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that always brings people together around the table. Every time I make it, whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, the warm, rich flavors spark all kinds of happy memories—and I hope it does the same for you. Give it a try, follow my tips, and you’ll wow your loved ones with a classic comfort meal that feels like a big kitchen hug. Can’t wait to hear about your lasagna adventures!