Let’s be honest—lasagna is the king of comfort food. It’s cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing for the week, or treating yourself (because you deserve it), this Barilla lasagna recipe is the ultimate go-to. Trust me, you’ll want it in your dinner rotation forever once you try it.
For a perfect lunch, pair the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT with the cozy Kabocha Squash Soup. The fresh sandwich and creamy soup create a balanced, satisfying meal!
Why Barilla Lasagna?
Barilla is a trusted name in pasta, and their lasagna sheets are no exception. They’re sturdy, easy to use, and cook perfectly every time—no breaking, no mushiness. Whether using their oven-ready sheets or traditional ones, Barilla guarantees a lasagna that layers up beautifully and holds together like a dream. It’s the foundation of a perfect lasagna.
The Ultimate Barilla Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for a classic Barilla lasagna:
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 jar (24 oz) Barilla Traditional Marinara Sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Assembly:
- 1 box Barilla Lasagna Sheets (oven-ready or traditional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture
- Combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and parsley in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F. If you use traditional lasagna sheets, cook them according to the package instructions and drain well.
- Assemble the Lasagna
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of Barilla lasagna sheets over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by meat sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers (lasagna sheets, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—it’ll hold its shape better this way!
Pro Tips for Perfect Barilla Lasagna
- Use Oven-Ready Sheets for Convenience: Barilla’s oven-ready lasagna sheets save time and effort—no boiling required! Just make sure you have enough sauce to keep the layers moist.
- Don’t Skip Resting Time: Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Customize Your Meat Sauce: Add Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Lasagna tastes better the next day. Prepare it a day in advance and bake it fresh before serving.
What to Serve With Lasagna?
Lasagna is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round out the dinner:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, tangy salad balances the richness of the lasagna.
- Roasted Veggies: Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy, flavorful side.
- A Glass of Wine: Red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with lasagna.
How to Make Barilla Lasagna Ahead of Time
Lasagna is one of those magical dishes that tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or big family gatherings. To make it ahead, assemble the entire lasagna as instructed, but don’t bake it yet. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, bake it at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes longer than usual since it’ll be cold from the fridge. Trust me, the flavors will be even better after they’ve had time to meld together!
Using Barilla Marinara Sauce for Extra Flavor
Barilla’s marinara sauce is a real game-changer for this recipe. It’s packed with rich tomato flavor, balanced spices, and sweetness. If you want to elevate the flavor further, add a splash of red wine or a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce while it simmers. This simple step takes your lasagna from good to unforgettable without adding much extra effort.
Why Barilla Lasagna Sheets Work Every Time
Barilla’s lasagna sheets are designed to cook evenly, so you don’t have to worry about some parts turning mushy while others staying hard. The oven-ready sheets save time, and their texture ensures they absorb just enough sauce to keep it tender without falling apart. For a perfect bite every time, these sheets are your best bet. Plus, Barilla’s trusted quality means you’ll get consistent results no matter how often you make lasagna.
FAQs About Barilla Lasagna
Q: Do I need to boil Barilla oven-ready lasagna sheets?
A: Nope! Barilla oven-ready sheets go straight into the dish—no boiling required. Just make sure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist while baking.
Q: Can I freeze lasagna?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from frozen at 375°F for about 1.5 hours, removing the foil in the last 20 minutes.
Q: How can I make vegetarian lasagna?
A: Swap the meat sauce for a hearty vegetable sauce made with zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and marinara. It’s just as delicious!
Q: How long does lasagna last in the fridge?
A: Cooked lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Variations to Try
White Sauce Lasagna
Swap marinara for a creamy béchamel sauce. Layer the pasta with shredded chicken, spinach, and Alfredo sauce for a decadent, comforting twist.
Seafood Lasagna
Use a creamy seafood sauce with shrimp, crab, and scallops. Layer with ricotta and Barilla lasagna sheets for a decadent, special-occasion dish.
Vegetarian Lasagna
Roast veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, then layer with marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella. It’s hearty and full of flavor!
Gluten-Free Lasagna
Barilla also offers gluten-free lasagna sheets so that everyone can enjoy this classic dish. Follow the same recipe using gluten-free pasta.
Why Resting Time Matters
I know it’s tempting to dive straight into your lasagna as soon as it’s out of the oven but trust me, waiting just 10 minutes makes all the difference. Resting allows the layers to set so your slices stay intact and look picture-perfect on the plate. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld even more. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to lasagna.
Barilla Lasagna Nutrition Information
Here’s what you’re getting in a typical serving (approximately 1/8 of a 9×13 dish):
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbs: ~40g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~3g
Lasagna is hearty and filling, making it an excellent meal for feeding a crowd or satisfying your comfort food cravings.
A Personal Note
I was nervous about layering everything perfectly the first time I made Barilla lasagna. But you know what? Lasagna is forgiving. Even if your layers are messy, they’ll still taste amazing. It’s a go-to recipe in my house, especially for family dinners or when I need leftovers that get better the next day.
Final Thoughts
Barilla lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this recipe will never disappoint you. The best part? It’s easy to customize, so you can make it your own. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best dinners you’ll ever make.
