Lasagna with three cheeses is the perfect comfort food, loaded with layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The rich tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses, creating a balance of flavors and textures that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this lasagna will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Preparation
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, sauce) two more times.
- Top the final layer with noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce using mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure the tomato products are gluten-free.
Cooking Notes
- No-Boil Noodles: You can use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience; just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep the layers moist.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad for a complete Italian meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon for a rich dining experience.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Layering Tip: Ensure even layers by spreading the cheese mixture and sauce with a spatula for a neat, consistent result.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta and will add a slightly lighter texture.
How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?
A: Be sure to drain excess fat from the meat and allow the sauce to simmer until thickened. Also, let the lasagna rest after baking to set the layers.
Can I add more cheese?
A: Absolutely! For extra cheesy lasagna, increase the mozzarella topping or add a layer of shredded cheese between each layer.
Conclusion
This lasagna with three cheeses is a surefire crowd-pleaser that combines the best of rich, creamy cheeses with hearty meat sauce and tender pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.