Indulge in layers of rich, savory goodness with this Barilla Lasagna Recipe. Featuring tender Barilla lasagna sheets, a robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this recipe delivers a traditional Italian dining experience that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply elevating a weeknight dinner.
Why This Barilla Lasagna Recipe Is a Must-Try
Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food, and this Barilla lasagna recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor. Barilla’s high-quality lasagna sheets cook to a perfect al dente texture, ensuring a foundation that holds up beautifully to rich layers of sauce and cheese. With customizable fillings and a foolproof method, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
For more Italian-inspired dishes, explore our Dinner Category. Pair this lasagna with our Mediterranean Chicken Pita for a Mediterranean twist to complement your meal.
Ingredients for Barilla Lasagna Recipe
The Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) Barilla Marinara Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
The Cheese Mixture
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
Assembly
- 1 box (9 oz) Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagna Sheets
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Barilla Lasagna
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the Barilla Marinara Sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix the Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Stir until well blended.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 3-4 Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagna Sheets over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the sheets, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers (lasagna sheets, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times.
- Finish with a layer of lasagna sheets, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
For another hearty pasta dish, try our Zoodles Marinara Recipe for a low-carb twist.
Customizing Your Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat sauce for a vegetable-based sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add layers of provolone or fontina cheese for an extra cheesy lasagna.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Whole Grain: Use Barilla Whole Grain Lasagna Sheets for added fiber and nutrition.
For more creative ideas, visit our Lunch Category.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to set the layers for easier slicing.
- Season Generously: Properly season each layer—especially the sauce—for a flavorful result.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Shred your own mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Avoid Overfilling: Ensure the lasagna isn’t too tall to avoid spillovers while baking.
Pair this dish with our Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Barilla Lasagna
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh Caesar or mixed green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Breadsticks: Garlic breadsticks or focaccia are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- As Leftovers: Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave for an easy meal the next day.
- For Freezing: Assemble the lasagna and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts for Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Per serving (1 slice, approximately 8 servings):
- Calories: 400–450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
This Barilla Lasagna Recipe brings together layers of tender lasagna sheets, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese to create the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold Italian flavors in every bite.
Regional Variations of Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is a versatile dish with regional variations that bring unique flavors:
Classic Italian Lasagna (Lasagna alla Bolognese)
- Key Ingredients: Lasagna sheets, Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese.
- Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, and hearty.
- Pairing: Serve with a light green salad and crusty bread.
Vegetarian Lasagna
- Key Ingredients: Lasagna sheets, spinach, zucchini, ricotta, and marinara sauce.
- Flavor Profile: Light, fresh, and cheesy.
- Pairing: Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
Seafood Lasagna
- Key Ingredients: Lasagna sheets, shrimp, scallops, crab meat, and a creamy white sauce.
- Flavor Profile: Delicate, creamy, and slightly briny.
- Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine and steamed asparagus.
Mexican-Inspired Lasagna
- Key Ingredients: Lasagna sheets, ground beef, salsa, black beans, and cheddar cheese.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy, bold, and cheesy.
- Pairing: Best enjoyed with tortilla chips and guacamole.
Gluten-Free Lasagna
- Key Ingredients: Gluten-free lasagna sheets, ricotta, marinara, and ground turkey.
- Flavor Profile: Familiar, satisfying, and adaptable.
- Pairing: Pair with a side of sautéed greens or roasted sweet potatoes.
Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids
Get kids involved in making Barilla Lasagna Recipe with these fun steps:
Layering the Lasagna
- Activity: Let kids spread sauce, cheese, and noodles in layers.
- Learning Outcome: Teaches them about sequencing and balance.
Grating the Cheese
- Activity: Help kids grate mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
- Learning Outcome: Improves their fine motor skills.
Mixing the Ricotta Filling
- Activity: Allow kids to combine ricotta, eggs, and herbs.
- Learning Outcome: Introduces them to flavoring and texture.
Decorating the Top Layer
- Activity: Encourage kids to sprinkle cheese and arrange herbs for decoration.
- Learning Outcome: Enhances creativity and presentation.
Tasting the Sauce
- Activity: Let kids taste-test the sauce and adjust seasoning.
- Learning Outcome: Develops their palate and decision-making skills.
Kitchen Tools to Elevate Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish
- Ideal for assembling and baking lasagna layers.
- Large Saucepan
- Perfect for preparing meat sauce or marinara.
- Mixing Bowls
- Useful for combining ricotta and other fillings.
- Offset Spatula
- Ensures even spreading of sauces and fillings.
- Cheese Grater
- Essential for grating fresh cheese for optimal flavor.
- Aluminum Foil
- Keeps lasagna moist during baking.
- Sharp Knife
- Ensures clean, even slices when serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Pre-Cook for Some Noodles
- While Barilla no-boil sheets are convenient, ensure sufficient sauce to soften them during baking.
- Under-Seasoning the Layers
- Season ricotta and sauce to enhance the overall flavor.
- Overloading Layers
- Keep layers balanced to avoid a soggy or uneven bake.
- Skipping Resting Time
- Let lasagna cool for 10–15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese
- Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best taste.
Creative Add-Ins
- Herbs and Greens
- Add fresh basil, parsley, or spinach to layers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Vegetables
- Include roasted eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Blends
- Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for depth.
- Meats
- Enhance with pancetta, sausage, or shredded chicken for variety.
- Spices
- Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or nutmeg for a unique flavor boost.
How to Double or Scale Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- Double Ingredients
- Increase quantities proportionally for larger gatherings.
- Use Multiple Baking Dishes
- Assemble and bake lasagnas in separate dishes for easy serving.
- Freeze Extra Portions
- Prepare two lasagnas and freeze one for future use.
- Adjust Baking Time
- Slightly increase baking time for larger or thicker batches.
How to Store Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing
- Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months.
- Reheating
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through.
- Portion Control
- Slice lasagna into individual portions before freezing for convenient reheating.
Barilla Lasagna Recipe in Culture
Lasagna has long been a symbol of Italian comfort food, with its origins rooted in Emilia-Romagna. The use of Barilla lasagna sheets simplifies the process, making this classic dish accessible to home cooks while maintaining its rich, layered charm.
From Sunday family dinners to celebratory feasts, lasagna is a timeless dish that brings people together around the table.
How to Adapt Barilla Lasagna Recipe for Special Diets
- Gluten-Free Option
- Use Barilla gluten-free lasagna sheets.
- Low-Sodium
- Opt for low-sodium sauces and cheese.
- Dairy-Free
- Replace ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Vegan-Friendly
- Use vegan cheese, tofu ricotta, and vegetable-based sauce.
- Keto-Friendly
- Substitute lasagna sheets with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
How to Adapt Barilla Lasagna Recipe for Special Occasions
- Holiday Feasts
- Add layers of spinach and ricotta for a festive green and white look.
- Dinner Parties
- Prepare individual servings of lasagna in ramekins for an elegant presentation.
- Casual Gatherings
- Serve lasagna family-style with a side of garlic bread.
- Meal Prep
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Celebratory Events
- Top with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan curls for a decorative touch.
FAQs About Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Can I use regular lasagna sheets instead of oven-ready?
Yes, but boil the sheets according to the package instructions before assembling.
How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Explore More Recipes Like Barilla Lasagna
If you enjoyed this recipe, try:
- Ground Beef Tacos for a flavorful twist.
- Mediterranean Chicken Pita for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired option.
This Barilla Lasagna Recipe is a classic comfort dish that brings the rich, layered flavors of Italy to your table. With its perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients and start layering today!
