If you’ve been searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings smiles all around the table, look no further than the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe. This layered masterpiece combines rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheeses with savory meat sauce and tender noodles, creating a luscious comfort food experience that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty that will quickly make it one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each play a starring role in building those iconic lasagna flavors and textures. From the meaty sauce base to the creamy cheese blend, every component complements one another beautifully.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Ensure they’re boiled and laid flat to avoid sticking, forming the sturdy, tender foundation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to cook the meat and veggies.
- 1 pound ground beef: Your hearty, flavorful protein base to make the sauce satisfying.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a mild sweetness that enhances the sauce depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that’s essential in classic Italian dishes.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The tomatoey heart of the dish, perfectly balanced and convenient.
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and tangy, it blends beautifully with the other cheeses.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for smooth layering.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts effortlessly to give cheesy gooeyness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that makes the cheese blend unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: A classic herb that lifts and brightens the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every layer without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right hint of spice.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and mild flavor when serving.
How to Make Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet or clean surface to prevent sticking. This step ensures your noodles stay separate and easy to layer later, setting a great foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until browned and fragrant. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and aromatic. Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors so every bite is bursting with meaty, tomato goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This creamy combination will add that luscious, silky texture between the layers of noodles and sauce, helping to balance out the savory richness with a light, fluffy touch.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. This prevents sticking and begins building your flavor layers. Lay down 4 noodles in an even layer, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and finally sprinkle one-third of the combined mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat this process two more times, making sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top for that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. This final stage allows the cheese to melt fully and develop a beautifully browned, slightly crispy topping. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a colorful, vibrant contrast that also brings a subtle fresh note to balance out the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top right before serving is also a delightful touch that amps up the cheesy experience.
Side Dishes
Classic Caesar salad, garlic bread, or a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach make excellent companions. Their freshness and crunch create a nice textural contrast to the cheesy, tender layers of the lasagna, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic dinner party, serve the lasagna straight from the baking dish with a large spoon, encouraging family-style sharing. If you want to fancy it up, plate individual slices with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves for that gourmet Italian vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days, making for an easy and satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
This Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap your cooled leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months, offering convenient future dinners that still taste fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, microwaving or oven reheating works well; just be sure to cover loosely to keep the moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I make the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and swap in sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to keep the layers flavorful and satisfying without meat.
Do I have to boil the noodles before assembling?
For traditional noodles, yes, boiling is necessary to tenderize them. However, you can use oven-ready no-boil noodles and skip the boiling step entirely to save time.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What cheeses are best for the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe?
The classic trio includes ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for gooey meltiness, and Parmesan for sharp, nutty flavor. Using high-quality versions of each will make a noticeable difference.
How long can leftovers be refrigerated or frozen?
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 to 4 days and can be frozen safely for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about slicing into a warm pan of this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe and seeing those layers of rich sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheeses come together. It’s truly a dish meant to bring people around the table, share stories, and savor every bite. So grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and create your own delicious memories with this timeless Italian-American favorite.
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Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef marinara, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it makes an ideal family dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain them well and lay them flat on a sheet to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let this mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy cheese filling.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, followed by one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture, one-third of the meat sauce, and one-third of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with the cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the lasagna to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to set up, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Prepare the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead.
- Using oven-ready noodles can eliminate the boiling step, simplifying the process further.
