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
Scale
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.
