Description
This Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this classic Italian-American dish is a hearty and comforting main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 9 lasagna noodles
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, then add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake and Rest: Cover the lasagna loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
- This lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; bake it fresh when ready to serve.