Name: Cheesy 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; 16 oz shredded whole milk Mozzarella cheese (part skim will work as well); 1 1/2 cups shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided; 12 oz box dried oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles; 1 batch bolognese sauce (see quick meat sauce recipe below or use 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 equal amount of 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; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 48 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm, cheesy hug, then you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings the family together and fills the house with mouthwatering aromas. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner, this lasagna always steals the show. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make it just right — no stress, just cheesy, saucy goodness.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Layers: The combination of creamy ricotta, rich bolognese, and melty mozzarella ensures each bite is perfectly textured and flavorful.
Ease of Assembly: Using oven-ready noodles saves time — no boiling required, which is a game-changer on busy days.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the bolognese sauce and ricotta mixture in advance, which means less fuss on the day you bake.
Classic Family Favorite: It’s not fancy or overly complicated — just honest, comforting food everyone loves.

Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna, cheesy lasagna recipe, baked lasagna with bolognese, easy cheesy lasagna, Italian comfort food - 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 Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna Recipe comes together beautifully because each ingredient plays a key role. The ricotta’s creamy richness balances the savory meat sauce, while the mozzarella melts into those irresistible gooey pockets. Investing in fresh herbs and good quality cheeses really elevates this beyond ordinary lasagna — trust me, it makes all the difference.

Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna, cheesy lasagna recipe, baked lasagna with bolognese, easy cheesy lasagna, Italian comfort food - 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: Adds creamy texture without drying out, and the mild tang supports the tomato sauce.
Dried Italian seasoning & fresh basil: Layered herbs bring depth and fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch adds warmth and complexity, a subtle hint I swear by.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays luscious and doesn’t run.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, creating that irresistible stretchiness we all crave.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, bringing a lovely salty contrast, especially when freshly grated.
Oven-ready lasagna noodles: Saves time and effort by skipping the boiling process.
Bolognese sauce: The rich, slow-cooked meat sauce is the heart of this dish — homemade is best, but good-quality store-bought works well too.
Fresh basil & parsley (for garnish): They add color and a fresh herbal pop right on top.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak the herbs depending on what I have on hand, and sometimes I sneak in extra veggies to get a little green boost without sacrificing flavor.

Variation: I once swapped half of the ground beef with chopped mushrooms to give a richer, earthier flavor — my family barely noticed, and it felt a bit lighter.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, use part-skim cheeses and leaner meat, or swap noodles for gluten-free options without losing the classic taste.
Seasonal changes: Adding a layer of roasted zucchini or eggplant in summer makes it feel seasonal and fresh while keeping the cheesy soul intact.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

Start by making your bolognese — this is where the magic starts. If you prefer quick, my recipe below will get you there in under an hour, but slow-simmered sauce is a dream if you have the time. Brown the meat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then simmer with tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of cream to round it all out. Pro tip: Using a dry red wine adds body, but if you don’t have it, beef broth works just fine.

Step 2: Mix the Herbed Ricotta

While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese with dried Italian seasoning, fresh basil, salt, pepper, nutmeg, half the Parmesan, and a beaten egg. This mixture should be smooth and well-seasoned because it’s a big part of the flavor foundation. I always taste as I go — add a pinch more herbs if you like it punchy!

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab your lasagna dish, grease it well, and spoon down a cup of your bolognese sauce. Lay out four oven-ready noodles on top—no boiling necessary, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Spread a third of that ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle a good layer of mozzarella cheese. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups more sauce, and dust with Parmesan. Repeat these layers two more times for the ultimate cheesy, meaty goodness.

Step 4: The Final Layer and Bake

Finish with four more noodles, a cup of sauce, and top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan. If you like, add a little dried Italian seasoning for an herbaceous kick. Cover loosely with foil sprayed with cooking spray (this keeps the cheese from sticking) and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil to let the cheese brown and bubble beautifully for another 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

This is key — let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. It lets the layers set so it slices nicely and doesn’t slide apart. Sprinkle with fresh minced basil and parsley for color and fresh aroma before serving. You can’t rush this step, trust me!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Resting Time: I learned the hard way that slicing too soon creates a mess — waiting really pays off with neat, beautiful slices.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt or taste the same — taking the extra minute is worth it every time.
Herbs Are Key: I always double up on fresh basil for that burst of brightness; dried herbs need to be balanced carefully to avoid overwhelming the creamy ricotta.
Oven-ready Noodles Convenience: When I’m in a rush, these noodles save me so much time without compromising texture or flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna Recipe

Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna, cheesy lasagna recipe, baked lasagna with bolognese, easy cheesy lasagna, Italian comfort food - 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

Fresh herbs like minced basil and parsley sprinkled right on top after baking add not only a pop of green but a freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I even add a few grinds of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

To balance this hearty meal, I like to serve a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is a classic pairing too — I mean, can you really go wrong with buttery, garlicky bread alongside cheesy lasagna?

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to pull out individual ramekins and create mini lasagnas. Not only does it look charming, but the layers cook a bit faster and everyone gets their own perfect cheesy portion. Another fun idea is layering the lasagna in a large cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation and those crispy cheese edges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and cooling, I cover the lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 4 days. Leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld overnight, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

I often freeze this lasagna assembled but unbaked. I cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I pull it out, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and then bake as usual. Freezing doesn’t affect the texture or flavor much — it’s just as delicious!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover individual portions with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium power in short bursts, but the oven always gives better texture, especially for that bubbly cheese layer.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you’re using regular dried noodles, either boil them according to package instructions or soak them in hot water until pliable before assembling. This prevents dryness and ensures they cook evenly in the oven.
Is it okay to use store-bought bolognese sauce?

Yes, a high-quality store-bought sauce can save time and still taste great—Rao’s is one of my favorites. Just make sure you have about 5 to 6 cups to layer generously throughout the lasagna.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Totally! You can prepare the bolognese sauce and the ricotta mixture a day or two early, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the lasagna just before baking. This eases your day-of cooking stress.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before cutting?

Ideally, let it rest at least 10 to 15 minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps the layers firm up so your slices hold together beautifully without running or sliding apart.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bolognese Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both simple and spectacular — the kind of dish that fills your home with laughter, comforting warmth, and satisfied smiles. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple at your table too. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the layers of creamy cheese and rich bolognese, you’ll keep coming back for more!