Lasagna Dip Recipe
Lasagna Dip takes all the hearty, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna and transforms it into a shareable, scoopable appetizer.
With layers of creamy ricotta, savory beef, rich marinara, and melty cheese, this warm and bubbly dip is a party favorite that doubles as a cozy comfort dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the flavor of lasagna, none of the fuss—no noodles or layering required.
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Crowd-pleasing and perfect for game day, holidays, or potlucks.
Ultra-cheesy, meaty, and totally dippable.
Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Key Ingredients
Ground beef: Adds savory, meaty richness.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, creates a classic lasagna base.
Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality sauce for bold tomato flavor.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Melted cheesy topping that makes this dip irresistible.
Garlic & onion: Build the aromatic flavor base.
Italian herbs & fresh basil: Bring that authentic lasagna flavor.
Garlic bread or crackers: The perfect vessel for scooping up every cheesy bite.
Lasagna Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
Olive oil (to coat)
¼ cup diced onion
½ lb. ground beef
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
15 oz. part skim ricotta cheese
16 oz. 2 cups marinara sauce
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Fresh basil
Garlic bread
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or square baking pan with olive oil.
In a small skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the diced onion and ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain excess grease if needed.
Spread the ricotta cheese evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Spoon the beef and onion mixture over the ricotta layer.
Spread half of the marinara sauce over the beef, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven, top with freshly chopped basil, and serve warm with garlic bread, breadsticks, or crackers.
Recipe Notes
Use full-flavored marinara: Since this dish is sauce-heavy, a good marinara makes a big difference. Choose one with garlic, basil, or roasted tomato flavor for depth.
Drain the beef well: After browning the ground beef, draining the grease helps prevent the dip from becoming oily. This keeps the layers cleaner and the texture more pleasant.
Ricotta tip: For extra smoothness, stir or whip the ricotta with a spoon before layering. You can also season it lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs for more flavor.
Layer carefully: For even baking, spread each layer evenly and don’t over-pack it. A gentle press with a spoon after each layer helps flatten the surface without compressing the dip too much.
Bake until bubbly: The edges should be hot and bubbling, and the cheese on top should be lightly golden. If your cheese isn’t browning, you can broil it for the last 1–2 minutes—just watch closely.
Add fresh basil after baking: Adding the basil after baking (not before) keeps its flavor fresh and bright, which balances the richness of the dish.
Serving tip: Serve warm and keep it hot in a cast iron skillet or small slow cooker if you’re setting it out for guests. It thickens as it cools.
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~350 | Protein: 21g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: ~600mg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Small skillet or sauté pan
Mixing spoon or spatula
9-inch deep dish pie plate or square baking dish
Oven
Knife & cutting board
Measuring cups/spoons
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Meatless version: Omit ground beef and sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
Cheese options: Try using cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
Add-ins: Stir in a handful of spinach or cooked sausage for extra layers of flavor.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 300°F until hot and bubbly.
Freezer: Not ideal—cheese and ricotta may become grainy after thawing.
Food and Drink Pairings
Serve with garlic bread, toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or crackers.
Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Enjoy with a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Zinfandel) or a cold sparkling water with lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Choose a flavorful, thick sauce—homemade or a good-quality store-bought brand.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Lean ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter alternative.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Is it gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free (check labels on marinara and cheese), but serve with gluten-free crackers or bread.
How do I prevent the cheese from browning too quickly?
Cover loosely with foil if it starts to brown too soon during baking.
Should I drain the beef after browning?
Yes, especially if there’s visible grease—it keeps the dip from becoming oily.
Can I add pasta to make this more of a meal?
Yes! Add cooked pasta like penne or rotini for a baked pasta casserole vibe.
How do I keep it warm for a party?
Serve in a cast iron skillet or use a small slow cooker set to “warm.”
Can I make individual portions?
Yes—use ramekins or mini baking dishes for personal-sized dips.