Three-Cheese Lasagna
Layers of tender pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This classic Italian-American casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, making it the ultimate comfort food for family dinners.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 105 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the Meat Sauce (Approx
- a.75 minutes)
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- d.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- f.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for at least 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Cook Noodles and Mix Cheese Filling (Approx
- a.15 minutes)
- b.While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- d.In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, chopped parsley, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 3
Assemble the Lasagna (Approx
- a.15 minutes)
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Spread 1.5 cups of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- d.Layer 1: Place a single layer of cooked noodles over the sauce (usually 3-4 noodles).
- e.Layer 2: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- f.Layer 3: Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- g.Layer 4: Spoon 2 cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella.
- h.Repeat Layers 1-4: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and another 2 cups of meat sauce.
- i.Final Layer: Top with the last layer of noodles. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- 4
Bake and Rest the Lasagna (Approx
- a.60 minutes)
- b.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn't touch the cheese.
- c.Bake for 30 minutes.
- d.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
- e.Remove the lasagna from the oven. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for the layers to set, ensuring clean slices.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, make the meat sauce a day in advance. The flavors will deepen overnight.
- 2Use whole milk ricotta and low-moisture mozzarella to prevent a watery lasagna. If your ricotta seems very wet, strain it through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes.
- 3Don't overcook the pasta noodles during the boiling step, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for al dente.
- 4To prevent the top layer of cheese from sticking to the foil, lightly spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.
- 5For a richer sauce, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after cooking the aromatics and before adding the tomatoes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef and sausage with 2 lbs of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach (squeezed dry), and bell peppers. Sauté them well before adding to the tomato sauce.
Spicy 'Arrabbiata' StyleSpicy 'Arrabbiata' Style
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
White Lasagna (Bianca)White Lasagna (Bianca)
Substitute the tomato-based meat sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce. You can still include sausage or chicken for a hearty meal.
Four Cheese LasagnaFour-Cheese Lasagna
Add 1 cup of shredded provolone or fontina cheese to the mozzarella for an even more complex and gooey cheese layer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef, sausage, and three types of cheese provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses are packed with calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve and muscle function.
Contains Lycopene
The cooked tomato sauce is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
A typical slice of this homemade lasagna contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the meat and cheese.