There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling hot Barilla lasagna recipe coming straight out of the oven. The melted cheese, the layers of pasta, and that savory aroma, it brings me back to my childhood Sundays. Lasagna has always been more than just a dish in my family; it’s a symbol of celebration, of gathering everyone around the table. And when I say this Barilla lasagna recipe is my go-to, I mean it’s the one I make when I want to impress without overcomplicating things.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a festive holiday spread, this lasagna checks every box. Thanks to Barilla’s quality pasta sheets that hold their texture, and a rich homemade meat sauce, you get restaurant-quality results at home. Plus, I’ll show you how to tweak it to match your mood, whether you want to go classic, veggie, or gluten-free.
Table of contents
Why This Barilla Lasagna Recipe Works So Well
One of the biggest reasons this Barilla lasagna recipe stands out is the balance, it’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy. The Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles mean there’s no need to boil anything beforehand, cutting your prep time in half while still delivering perfectly cooked layers. That alone is a win, but the magic really comes in how the sauce and cheese melt together into those iconic golden layers.
The meat sauce is simmered low and slow, allowing the flavors of garlic, onion, and tomatoes to deepen and coat every bite of ground beef and Italian sausage. Then there’s the creamy béchamel or ricotta layer (I’ll let you choose), and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano that turns gooey and golden in the oven. The texture? Dreamy. The flavor? Bold and classic.
Recipe Card
Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy8
servings25
minutes50
minutes450
kcalAn irresistible, comforting Barilla lasagna recipe made with rich tomato sauce, layers of cheese, and savory meat sauce. It’s a must-try for pasta lovers and perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles – 12 sheets
Ground beef – 1 lb
Tomato sauce – 3 cups
Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups
Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Onion – 1 small, chopped
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
Fresh basil – for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until soft. Add ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then add the tomato sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place three Barilla oven-ready lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese, more meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles, sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: Barilla’s oven-ready noodles don’t require pre-boiling, saving you time.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef with mushrooms and spinach for a veggie version.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to add provolone or even a sprinkle of pecorino for extra flavor.
Tips for the perfect Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- Don’t oversaturate the noodles: Since we’re using Barilla oven-ready lasagna sheets, they’ll absorb moisture from the sauce during baking. Make sure your meat sauce isn’t too dry, it should be slightly saucy to hydrate the pasta while cooking. If you’re using pre-cooked noodles instead, reduce the sauce a bit.
- Let it rest before slicing: This might be the hardest part, but don’t skip it. Let your lasagna rest for at least 15–20 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making for cleaner slices and a more satisfying bite.
- Use full-fat cheeses: For that signature creamy texture and golden top, go for whole milk ricotta, mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. The richness truly elevates the final dish.
- Layer evenly: Don’t overload a single layer. Instead, spread your meat sauce, cheese mixture, and noodles evenly. It ensures every bite is balanced and delicious.
Delicious Twists on the Classic Barilla Lasagna Recipe
1. Vegetarian Barilla Lasagna
Swap out the meat sauce for a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and spinach. Layer them with a creamy béchamel or ricotta cheese and marinara for a veggie-forward version that still delivers that comforting lasagna essence. Add a pinch of nutmeg to your béchamel for a touch of warmth that pairs beautifully with the vegetables.
2. Barilla Lasagna with White Sauce (Bianca)
For a lighter, cheese-forward variation, skip the red sauce entirely and opt for a luxurious white béchamel sauce layered with sautéed spinach, chicken or turkey, and mozzarella. This “white lasagna” is elegant and makes a great option for spring brunches or holiday dinners. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving brightens it beautifully.
3. Gluten-Free Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Barilla offers gluten-free lasagna noodles made from a blend of corn and rice flour that are surprisingly close to the texture of traditional pasta. Pair them with your favorite gluten-free sauces and fillings for a version that everyone can enjoy, without compromising on flavor or texture.
4. Spicy Chipotle Lasagna
Love heat? Add minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your meat mixture or tomato sauce for a smoky, spicy twist. It gives the Barilla lasagna recipe a Mexican-inspired kick that pairs wonderfully with ground beef or turkey. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Your Top Barilla Lasagna Recipe Questions, Answered
Absolutely! Simply portion out and freeze any leftovers. It keeps well for up to three months.
No, Barilla oven-ready noodles are designed to cook while baking, saving you time.
Yes, you can replace the meat with veggies or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave single servings for 1-2 minutes until heated.
One Last Bite
I’ve tried dozens of lasagna recipes over the years, but this one using Barilla lasagna noodles remains my go-to. It’s dependable, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a Sunday, prepping freezer meals, or hosting friends, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, and isn’t that what great cooking is all about?
For another cozy and classic Italian dish, try our Italian Pizza Dough Recipe to make a delicious homemade pizza. It’s the perfect pair for a lasagna night, adding more Italian flavors to your table. More Original Italian dishes? try our recipe of Italian Loafmeat!
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