The Ultimate Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Ronzoni Lasagna has become a beloved staple in many households, known for its rich, comforting layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. The brand, Ronzoni, was founded in 1915 and quickly grew in popularity for offering high-quality, easy-to-make pasta options. Their lasagna noodles are designed for both home cooks and professionals, making the preparation of lasagna straightforward and delicious. Over the years, Ronzoni has expanded its product line, but their classic lasagna recipe remains a favorite for those seeking a hearty, satisfying meal with authentic flavors. Today, it continues to be a top choice in kitchens worldwide.

Ingredients for the Perfect Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe

• Ronzoni Lasagna Noodles (12 lasagna sheets)
  These noodles are specifically designed for lasagna, offering the right texture and thickness to absorb sauce and hold the layers together.
• Ground Beef (1 lb)
  A classic protein choice that adds richness and depth to the lasagna. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Ricotta Cheese (15 oz)
  This creamy cheese creates the perfect filling for the lasagna layers, offering a mild flavor and smooth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
  Mozzarella melts beautifully, providing a stretchy, gooey texture that binds the layers of pasta and sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated)
  Adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the other cheeses and enhances the overall taste.
• Tomato Sauce (24 oz)
  The base of the lasagna sauce, providing a tangy and flavorful foundation.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp)
  Helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
  Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  Provides a fragrant and savory taste that pairs well with the tomato sauce.
• Egg (1 large)
  Mixed into the ricotta cheese for added structure and creaminess.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp)
  A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme that infuse the sauce with classic Italian flavors.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  Enhances all the ingredients, bringing out their best flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide for Layering Your Ronzoni Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the lasagna.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the Ronzoni lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside on a flat surface to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Lasagna

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add a layer of ricotta filling, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and cheese.

6. Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Let it Rest

Once done, allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Making the Sauce for Ronzoni Lasagna

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they become soft and fragrant. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step should take about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Add Tomato Sauce and Paste

After the beef is browned, stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Mix everything well, allowing the ingredients to combine into a rich, thick base for your sauce.

4. Season the Sauce

To bring out the full flavor of the sauce, add a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to incorporate, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.

5. Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together, creating a rich, savory sauce that will coat the lasagna layers perfectly. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Layering the Lasagna

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by spreading a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the lasagna noodles from sticking to the dish and adds flavor to the first layer.

2. Add the First Layer of Noodles

Place your first layer of cooked Ronzoni lasagna noodles over the sauce. Arrange the noodles in a way that they slightly overlap to form a solid base for the layers above.

3. Spread the Ricotta Filling

Next, spoon a generous amount of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the noodles, making sure each area is well-covered. The ricotta filling will add a creamy, rich texture to each bite.

4. Layer the Meat Sauce and Cheese

Add a layer of the meat sauce over the ricotta, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure the cheese is distributed evenly, so every bite has a cheesy pull.

5. Repeat the Layers

Continue layering the noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, making sure the final layer ends with a generous layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Final Touch

Finish the layering process by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor and a golden, crisp finish once baked.

Baking Instructions for a Classic Ronzoni Lasagna Meal

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the lasagna to bake evenly and the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly finish.

2. Cover the Lasagna

Before placing the lasagna in the oven, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps trap heat inside and prevents the top layer from becoming too dry or overcooked during the initial baking period.

3. Bake for 30 Minutes

Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake it for 30 minutes with the foil on. This step allows the noodles to soften further and the flavors in the layers to meld together.

4. Remove the Foil and Bake for 15 Minutes

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the lasagna to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese on top to turn golden brown and slightly crisp.

5. Let the Lasagna Rest

Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe

1. Pair with a Fresh Salad

A crisp, refreshing green salad works wonderfully alongside lasagna. Opt for a simple mix of arugula, spinach, and lettuce, topped with a light vinaigrette dressing. The fresh, tangy flavors of the salad balance the rich, hearty lasagna.

2. Serve with Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic pairing with lasagna. The crunchy, buttery texture and the burst of garlic complement the layers of pasta and cheese in the dish. Serve it warm, fresh from the oven, for the best taste.

3. Add a Side of Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant provide a delicious, nutritious side that pairs perfectly with the heavy lasagna. The caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies offer a nice contrast to the rich meat sauce.

4. Top with Fresh Basil or Parsley

For an added burst of flavor and color, garnish the lasagna with freshly chopped basil or parsley. The herbs bring a touch of brightness to each serving, cutting through the richness of the dish.

5. Serve with a Glass of Red Wine

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with lasagna. The wine’s acidity and tannins complement the bold flavors of the meat sauce and cheese.

Storage & Reheating for Ronzoni Lasagna

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your lasagna, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before storing them. Place the lasagna in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Lasagna

For longer storage, lasagna can be frozen. Once it has cooled completely, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and preserve its flavor. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For individual servings, you can also cut the lasagna into portions before wrapping them.

Reheating in the Oven

To reheat leftover lasagna, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and heat the lasagna evenly. If you’re reheating a frozen lasagna, bake it from frozen, but allow an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

Reheating in the Microwave

For quicker reheating, place a single portion of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

Looking for a new twist on the classic lasagna? Check out our Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe for more delicious ideas!

Tips & Tricks for Making the Perfect Ronzoni Lasagna

1. Use Fresh Herbs

For a burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano to your sauce. Fresh herbs can make a noticeable difference compared to dried herbs, giving your lasagna a more vibrant, aromatic taste.

2. Pre-cook the Noodles

Though Ronzoni lasagna noodles are no-boil, for a slightly firmer texture, you can cook them for a few minutes before assembling. This can help them hold up better and absorb just the right amount of sauce while baking.

3. Let the Lasagna Rest

After baking, let your lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut neat slices and preventing the filling from oozing out.

4. Add a Layer of Spinach

For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding a layer of spinach between the ricotta and mozzarella. You can either use fresh spinach or sautéed spinach, and it will add a lovely green layer to your lasagna.

5. Try Different Cheeses

While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or fontina for extra richness. Mixing different types of cheese can add complexity to the flavor.

6. Keep it Covered

When baking, always cover the lasagna with foil for the first half of cooking. This helps prevent the top layer from burning and gives the dish a chance to heat through evenly. Remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes to brown the top.

Gluten-Free & Vegan Alternatives for Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe

Gluten-Free Lasagna

For a gluten-free version of this lasagna, you can substitute traditional lasagna noodles with Ronzoni’s gluten-free lasagna noodles. These noodles are made with a blend of rice flour and corn flour, providing a similar texture to regular noodles while being completely gluten-free. Be sure to double-check that the other ingredients, such as the sauce and cheese, are free from gluten, as some processed products may contain hidden gluten.

Vegan Lasagna

To make this lasagna vegan, substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives. For the ricotta filling, use a vegan ricotta made from tofu or cashews. There are many store-bought vegan ricotta options available that work wonderfully in lasagna. For the meat sauce, swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, like lentils or crumbled vegan meat. You can also make a vegetable-based sauce by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for added texture and flavor.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Cheese Options

For the cheese layers, choose dairy-free cheese options such as vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese. Many plant-based cheese brands offer a mozzarella-style cheese that melts and bubbles just like traditional dairy cheese.

Nutritional Information for the Ultimate Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe

The nutritional content of lasagna can vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving of traditional meat lasagna made with Ronzoni noodles provides a well-rounded mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Per Serving (1/8 of a 9×13-inch dish)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-50 milligrams
• Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
• Calcium: 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
• Iron: 10-15% of the daily recommended intake

Vegan and Gluten-Free Variations

If you opt for a vegan or gluten-free version, the calorie count may change depending on the substitutions. Vegan ricotta and plant-based meat replacements can lower the fat content, while gluten-free noodles may slightly raise the carbohydrate count. Plant-based cheeses are often lower in saturated fat, but they can still provide a good amount of protein.

FAQs for Ronzoni Lasagna