Pork and Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender ground pork, vibrant spinach, creamy ricotta, and layers of pasta with rich tomato sauce. This lasagna is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply crave a filling, flavorful meal. Each layer offers a balance of savory pork, fresh greens, and velvety cheese, creating a satisfying harmony of flavors and textures.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it elevates traditional lasagna with the addition of nutrient-packed spinach and flavorful pork. The ricotta adds a creamy layer that perfectly complements the savory tomato sauce and tender pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet homey.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This lasagna is a must-try because it’s a complete meal in one dish—rich in protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The combination of flavors is complex yet familiar, making it an ultimate comfort food. Its presentation is also impressive, making it ideal for dinner parties or family gatherings.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories (Approx.): 520 per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Meat and Sauce

• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layer

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Other Ingredients

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground pork and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, and chopped spinach. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spread one-third of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce on top, then sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, ending with mozzarella and remaining ½ cup Parmesan on top.

Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic, then brown the pork. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, and chopped spinach. Mix well.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, ending with cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve warm as a main dish with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Each slice should hold its layers intact for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use no-boil noodles to save time, but slightly undercook them if using regular noodles.
• Fresh spinach can be lightly sautéed before mixing with ricotta for added flavor.
• Letting the lasagna rest ensures it slices cleanly without falling apart.
• Adjust seasoning in the meat sauce according to taste.

Variations

• Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra umami.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace pork with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
• Cheese Swap: Use fontina or provolone in place of mozzarella for a richer taste.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Assemble lasagna in a freezer-safe dish before baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for meat sauce
• Mixing bowl for cheese layer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing with ricotta.

Can this lasagna be made ahead?
Yes, assemble a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of pork?
Absolutely. Adjust seasoning to taste.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Ensure sauce is slightly thickened before layering and avoid overcooking noodles if using regular ones.

Conclusion

Pork and Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a rich, comforting, and nutritious dish that combines layers of tender pasta, savory pork, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s a perfect family meal that delivers classic Italian flavors with a wholesome twist. With its versatile nature and ability to be made ahead or frozen, this lasagna is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful comfort food.