Homemade Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe

If you’re searching for a truly comforting classic, this Lasagna Recipe delivers in every delicious, saucy, cheesy layer. With tender noodles, a hearty homemade meat sauce, and a luscious trio of cheeses, it’s one of those crowd-pleasing dinners that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get you prepped for lasagna greatness! Every ingredient in this Lasagna Recipe is thoughtfully chosen—each one adds a layer of flavor, a blissful texture, or a pop of color that brings this casserole to life.

• Ground beef (1 lb, 15-20% fat): The foundation for the hearty meat sauce; opt for a little fat for the richest flavor.
• Medium onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Large garlic cloves (minced): A touch of garlic infuses the entire dish with irresistible aroma.
• Dry red wine or beef broth (1/4 cup): Deglazes the pan and elevates the savory notes—use what you have on hand.
• Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness.
• Marinara Sauce (24 oz, or 3 cups): The backbone of the tomato flavor—choose a good-quality jar or homemade.
• Sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme: Simple seasonings that make the flavors pop.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 tsp): A pinch balances the tomato’s acidity—trust me, it’s magic!
• Parsley (2 Tbsp, chopped): Brightens everything up and gives a fresh finish.
• Lasagna noodles (9, cooked al dente): These provide structure and soak up all the saucey goodness—al dente keeps them from becoming mushy.
• Cottage cheese (16 oz, low-fat): This adds creaminess with a lighter touch than heavy cream or mascarpone.
• Ricotta cheese (15 oz, reduced fat): Pillowy soft and mild—essential for those classic cheesy layers.
• Egg (large): Binds the cheese filling so it slices perfectly.
• Parsley (2 Tbsp, plus extra for garnish): Again, for fresh color and herby flavor in the filling and as a pretty finish.
• Mozzarella cheese (4 cups, shredded, divided): That dreamy, melty topping we all crave—save some for the golden cheesy crown.

Variations

The beauty of a Lasagna Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to tweak, swap, or personalize the ingredients—there’s truly a lasagna for every taste and dietary need. Here are a few tasty variation ideas to inspire you.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with a hearty combo of mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a veggie-packed delight.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles or even thinly sliced zucchini for the layers.
• White Lasagna: Swap marinara for a creamy béchamel sauce and add shredded chicken for a luxurious twist.
• Extra Spicy: Stir some red chili flakes or diced jalapeño into the meat sauce for a little heat.

How to Make Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the beef just cooked through, no longer pink, and the onions beginning to soften and sweeten everything up. Stir in the garlic for another minute—it smells incredible!

Step 2: Build the Meat Sauce

Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and stir, letting it reduce for a couple of minutes—this step helps intensify the sauce. Add marinara, sea salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, one cup of the mozzarella, egg, and parsley. Give it all a good mix until creamy and well-blended—this is your secret weapon for gooey, cheesy layers that don’t ooze out of the pan!

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles just until al dente (firm but tender). Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop any further cooking and keep them from sticking—this trick makes assembly much easier!

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1/2 cup) into the bottom of your baking dish. Lay down three noodles, cover with a third of the meat sauce, sprinkle on a cup of mozzarella, then dollop and spread half your cheese filling over the top. Repeat those cozy layers twice more, finishing with a final blanket of mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake and Broil

Place toothpicks on top (this clever trick keeps foil off your cheese), cover with foil, and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 3–5 minutes until that cheesy top turns gorgeously golden. Let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing—this wait is SO worth it for perfect squares!

How to Serve Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil just before serving adds a vibrant pop of color to your Lasagna Recipe, plus a gentle herby lift that brightens those rich, cheesy layers. For a little decadence, you could even shave some fresh parmesan over the top!

Side Dishes

This classic Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think arugula, a lemony vinaigrette, and maybe some cherry tomatoes for freshness. Add warm garlic bread or even roasted veggies for a hearty meal that feels both cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Or, line up lasagna slices on a big platter so everyone gets to see those striking layers before digging in. For parties, you could even cut the cooled lasagna into bite-sized squares and skewer them as hearty appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lasagna Recipe slices tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time and every reheated bite is just as satisfying as the first!

Freezing

This Lasagna Recipe is perfect for freezing! Simply wrap the pan (or individual slices) tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating for a future fuss-free dinner.

Reheating

To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a quick single serving, you can microwave, but the oven or toaster oven will keep the cheese perfectly melted and the texture spot on.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this Lasagna Recipe as I always do. It’s the kind of meal that turns any night into a special occasion—so gather your favorite people, serve up those gorgeous layers, and enjoy every cozy, cheesy bite!

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