Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Homemade Lasagna

Lasagna is a timeless Italian classic enjoyed across the world. Using Ronzoni® Lasagna noodles, anyone can prepare a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish. This article provides a detailed, original, and accurate Ronzoni Lasagna recipe, perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or meal prepping for the week. Learn how to create the best lasagna using quality ingredients, simple techniques, and expert tips.

Why Choose Ronzoni Lasagna Noodles?

Ronzoni is a trusted pasta brand, well-known for its high-quality products since 1915. Their oven-ready and traditional lasagna noodles are crafted from 100% durum wheat semolina, offering a firm texture that holds up well under layers of sauce and cheese. According to Statista, the U.S. pasta market has been consistently growing, highlighting the popularity of reliable brands like Ronzoni.

Choosing Ronzoni ensures a consistent and satisfying lasagna experience with noodles that perfectly complement rich meat sauces, creamy ricotta, and savory mozzarella.

Ingredients for Classic Ronzoni Lasagna

Here is a list of ingredients required for a classic Ronzoni Lasagna recipe:

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara or traditional pasta sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

Additional

• 9-12 Ronzoni Lasagna noodles (traditional or oven-ready)
• 1 cup water (only for oven-ready noodles if needed)
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
• Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
• Set aside until ready to assemble the lasagna.

3. Cook the Ronzoni Lasagna Noodles

• For traditional Ronzoni lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook noodles according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
• Drain and lay noodles flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
• For oven-ready Ronzoni noodles, there’s no need to boil. Simply ensure the lasagna has enough moisture from the sauce or add extra water when assembling.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
• Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
• Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top.
• Add another layer of sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
• Finish with a layer of noodles, sauce, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean layers.

Tips for the Best Ronzoni Lasagna

Use Quality Ingredients

The quality of ingredients directly impacts the final flavor. Choose high-quality marinara sauce, fresh ricotta, and authentic Parmesan for the best results.

Let the Lasagna Rest

Resting after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Customize the Recipe

• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
• Cheese Lovers: Add provolone or fontina cheese for an extra cheesy texture.
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate spicy Italian sausage or additional red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

Source: Calculated based on ingredient averages. Actual nutrition may vary.

Storing and Reheating Lasagna

Storing

• Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and placed in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Reheat in a microwave on medium power until warmed through.
• Alternatively, bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes if reheating a full pan.

Conclusion

Making a delicious Ronzoni Lasagna is simpler than it seems with the right ingredients and techniques. By following this guide, anyone can prepare a comforting, homemade lasagna perfect for any occasion. Whether using oven-ready or traditional noodles, the rich layers of sauce, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta deliver a satisfying meal that brings people together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)