Simple slow-cooked beef ragu layered with creamy ricotta, lasagna noodles and melted mozzarella — a comforting lasagna that turns a favorite ragu into an unforgettable dinner.
Hello and happy Friday! I just returned to San Diego after a fast, inspiring four days in New York City meeting with PR agencies, TV networks, publishers and tech companies. I picked up some exciting new opportunities and creative energy while I was there — stay tuned for announcements and behind-the-scenes photos on my social channels.
Before I left, I made my current favorite comfort meal: lasagna built from a slow-cooked beef ragu. If you love rich, meaty sauces and gooey, cheesy pasta, this recipe is a must. I’ve shared hundreds of recipes over the years and my slow-cooked Beef Ragu has been one of the most popular for good reason — it’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Turning that ragu into a layered lasagna was a natural next step.
The beauty of this lasagna is how the slow-cooked ragu and creamy ricotta complement each other. The ragu simmers low and slow until it’s deeply flavored and tender; when mixed with a ricotta filling seasoned with fresh herbs and layered with mozzarella, each bite is savory, creamy and comforting.
Practical note: making the ragu takes only about 10 minutes to assemble in the slow cooker in the morning, then the long cook time does the work. In the evening, reduce the sauce briefly on the stove, assemble the lasagna and bake. It’s an ideal make-ahead dinner for busy days or a relaxing weekend meal.
Beef Ragu Lasagna Recipe Ingredients
- Approximately 6 cups slow-cooked beef ragu (use your favorite recipe or prepare the ragu earlier in the day)
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 24 oz (about 700 g) ricotta cheese
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 2¼ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
Beef Ragu Lasagna Recipe Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the slow-cooked beef ragu to a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced and you have a thick, rich sauce.
- While the ragu reduces, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, sea salt, dried oregano, chopped basil, chopped parsley and ¼ cup of the shredded mozzarella until well combined.
- In an 8″ x 8″ (20 x 20 cm) baking dish, arrange 3 cooked lasagna noodles across the bottom. Trim the noodles if needed to fit the dish.
- Spoon and spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles in an even layer.
- Add a generous layer of the reduced beef ragu over the ricotta.
- Place another layer of 3 noodles over the ragu, then repeat with the remaining ricotta mixture and another layer of ragu.
- Top with the final 3 noodles and spread the remaining ragu across the top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the assembled lasagna.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Cut into four generous portions and serve warm.
Serving, Time and Author
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Prep time: about 30 minutes (not including slow-cooking the ragu)
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes in the oven after assembly
- Ragu slow-cooking time: typically around 8 hours if using a slow cooker
- Author: Whitney Bond
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 1086 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Fat: 37 g (Saturated fat: 22 g)
- Cholesterol: 136 mg
- Sodium: 833 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Calcium: 687 mg
This beef ragu lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish that’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining. The slow-cooked sauce builds deep flavor over hours, while the ricotta-herb mixture and melted mozzarella add creamy layers. Make the ragu ahead of time to simplify evening assembly — the result is a rich, satisfying lasagna everyone will ask for again.
