Homemade Lasagna from Scratch with Venison, Ricotta, and Rich Pasta Sauce

There is something deeply comforting about pulling a bubbling pan of homemade lasagna out of the oven. The smell of herbs, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly seasoned meat fills the kitchen in a way that store-bought meals simply never can.

This lasagna is a true homestead classic in our home. It’s made with ground deer meat from the hunt, homemade ricotta cheese, homemade pasta sauce simmered low and slow, lasagna noodles, and plenty of shredded cheese baked into golden perfection.

This meal tells a story — of foraging, hunting, cooking from scratch, and feeding your family with intention.

Why Venison Makes the Best Lasagna

Ground deer meat is lean, nutrient-dense, and incredibly flavorful when paired with herbs, garlic, and tomatoes. It doesn’t leave your lasagna greasy, and it absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. If you harvest your own meat, this dish becomes even more meaningful — a true field-to-table meal.

A standard 9×13 pan of this hearty lasagna will comfortably feed:

8 generous servingsor10–12 moderate servings (especially if served with salad and bread)

Because this version is rich with ricotta, venison, and cheese, it’s very filling. In our experience with homestead-style meals like this, most adults are satisfied with one large square, and kids often eat a half to three-quarters portion.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground deer meat

• 4 cups homemade pasta sauce

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for sautéing

For the Ricotta Layer

• 2 cups homemade ricotta cheese

  Recipe for ricotta cheese:

  https://www.wildwholesomeadventures.com/post/how-to-make-fresh-homemade-ricotta-cheese-the-old-world-way

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• Pinch of salt

For the Lasagna

• lasagna noodles

  https://amzn.to/46akEp2

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or whatever you have on hand)

• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (or whatever you have on hand)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add ground deer meat and cook until browned.

Stir in your homemade pasta sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer on low for at least 20–30 minutes so the flavors marry together.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta

In a bowl, combine homemade ricotta, egg, parsley, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a 9×13 baking dish:

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

2. Add a layer of Bionaturae noodles.

3. Spread ricotta mixture.

4. Add meat sauce.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella.

6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.

7. Finish with sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This is important so the layers hold together.

A True From-Scratch Family Meal

This lasagna is more than dinner. It’s a celebration of cooking skills, natural ingredients, and food that nourishes deeply. When you make your own ricotta, simmer your own sauce, and use meat you harvested yourself, dinner becomes an act of gratitude.

Serve with a side salad, homemade bread, and gather everyone around the table.

Because food made with care simply tastes better.