Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods, but not everyone loves ricotta cheese. If you don’t like the texture, want a new flavor, or don’t have ricotta, this lasagna recipe without ricotta is a perfect choice.
This version uses creamy béchamel sauce or cottage cheese. It makes the dish rich, cheesy, and very satisfying. Great for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. This tasty dish will be a favorite at home.
Why Make Lasagna Without Ricotta?
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Creamier texture: Using béchamel or cottage cheese creates a smoother consistency.
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Lighter alternative: Cottage cheese is lower in fat than ricotta.
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More authentic: Traditional Italian lasagna often uses béchamel instead of ricotta.
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Easier to make: Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have.
Ingredients List
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon sugar
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Béchamel Sauce (Ricotta Substitute):
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4 tablespoons butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers:
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12 lasagna noodles
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
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½ cup mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Timing
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Make Lasagna Without Ricotta
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook lasagna noodles until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
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Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
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Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
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Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
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Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
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Stir in sugar and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
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Add fresh basil before removing from heat.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
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In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
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Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
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Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
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Spread ⅓ of the béchamel sauce over the noodles.
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Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
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Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
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Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Without Ricotta
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Use béchamel sauce for an authentic Italian-style lasagna.
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Don’t overcook the noodles to prevent mushiness.
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Let the lasagna rest before cutting so it holds its shape.
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Use high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Lasagna Without Ricotta
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Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy Lasagna
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Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
Gluten-Free Lasagna
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Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and replace flour in the béchamel with cornstarch.
What to Serve with Lasagna
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Garlic Bread – The perfect way to soak up extra sauce.
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Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy side dish.
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Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Vegetables – For a balanced meal.
How to Store & Reheat Lasagna
Refrigerating:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 450
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 5g
This lasagna can be made healthier by using lean ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
FAQs
Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a great alternative that adds protein and a creamy texture.
Can I Use Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! Just add extra sauce to prevent dryness.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This ricotta-free lasagna recipe is perfect for anyone craving a creamy, hearty dish. Béchamel sauce gives a rich, velvety texture. The meat sauce and cheese layers add classic lasagna flavors.