Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe Review and Guide

Having had the pleasure of tasting and making Ronzoni’s classic lasagna, I am excited to share with you a detailed, step-by-step guide to crafting this mouth-watering dish. This recipe combines tender pasta, rich and hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese into a comforting meal that’s sure to please any crowd. Along with the recipe, I’ll share some pro tips, health benefits, and my personal conclusion on this culinary experience.

Overview Of How to Make Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe.

Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
50 minutes
Serves
8 People
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

1 package Ronzoni lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 tablespoon oregano, dried
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Instructions

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Combine with Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes to develop flavors.
Preparing the Cheese Mixture

Mix Ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Assembling the Lasagna

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Layering: In a 13×9-inch baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, and finally, a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips For Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe

Noodle Prep: No need to pre-cook the Ronzoni lasagna noodles if you’re using the oven-ready variety. If using traditional noodles, follow the package instructions for pre-cooking.
Layering: For an even bake, ensure your layers are uniform and cover the edges with sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Resting Time: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut and serve.

Health Benefits

Lasagna can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are a few health benefits:

Protein-Rich: Both the ground meat and cheeses offer a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Calcium: Cheese and ricotta are excellent sources of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
Lycopene: The tomato sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant with potential health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

Conclusion

This Ronzoni lasagna recipe is a testament to the comfort and joy that classic Italian cooking can bring to the table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that marry beautifully in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to impress.

You Can Also Read:- San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe

FAQs on Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe

Do I need to pre-cook the Ronzoni lasagna noodles?
- If you’re using the oven-ready variety, there’s no need to pre-cook them. For traditional noodles, follow the package instructions.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
- Yes, cottage cheese is a common substitute for ricotta in lasagna recipes.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to cut and serve.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
- Absolutely. Replace the meat with vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is lasagna freezer-friendly?
- Yes, you can freeze lasagna. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen lasagna?
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F until heated through.
Can I prepare lasagna ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
What’s the best way to layer lasagna?
- Start with meat sauce, then noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with mozzarella on top.
Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef or sausage.
Is it necessary to cover the lasagna with foil while baking?
- Yes, covering with foil for the first part of baking prevents the top from burning before the lasagna is fully cooked.
What side dishes go well with lasagna?
- A simple green salad and garlic bread complement lasagna beautifully.
Can I add extra vegetables to the meat sauce?
- Absolutely. Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
What can I do if my lasagna comes out too dry?
- Ensure the edges are covered with sauce before baking and consider adding a bit more tomato sauce or water to the meat mixture.
How can I make the lasagna more flavorful?
- Use fresh herbs and let the meat sauce simmer longer to develop deeper flavors.
Can I use mozzarella slices instead of shredded?
- Yes, slices work just as well and can make for a gooier cheese layer.
What’s the difference between oven-ready and traditional lasagna noodles?
- Oven-ready noodles don’t require boiling before baking, making them a time-saver.
How can I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together?
- If pre-cooking noodles, add a little oil to the boiling water and separate them gently before layering.
Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles available at most grocery stores.
What type of baking dish is best for lasagna?
- A 13×9-inch baking dish works best for standard lasagna recipes.
Why does my lasagna seem runny?
- Ensure the meat sauce is thick enough before layering, and let the lasagna rest before serving to set.
Can I use jarred sauce instead of making my own?
- Yes, for convenience, a high-quality jarred marinara sauce can be used.
How can I add more cheese to the lasagna without it becoming too greasy?
- Use part-skim mozzarella and ricotta to keep it cheesy without too much grease.
What’s the best way to cut and serve lasagna?
- Use a sharp knife and a spatula for clean cuts. Letting it rest helps keep the layers intact.
Can I add wine to the meat sauce?
- Yes, a splash of red wine can add depth of flavor to the sauce.
How can I make a creamier ricotta mixture?
- Mix in a little cream or milk to the ricotta mixture for a creamier texture.
Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
- Fresh herbs offer brighter flavor, but dried herbs are more concentrated and work well too.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
- The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the lasagna should be heated through.
Can I use a different type of pasta for lasagna?
- For best results, stick with lasagna noodles designed for this purpose.
What can I do if the top layer of noodles becomes hard?
- Ensure the top layer of noodles is fully covered with sauce and cheese to prevent it from drying out during baking.