If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, look no further than the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe. This dish layers tender pasta sheets with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixed with aromatic basil, and a melty combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses that blend beautifully to create a luscious casserole. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and cheesy flavors that make it the ultimate family dinner centerpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and bold flavor, from the hearty meat sauce to the cheesy goodness and fragrant basil that brightens every bite.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente to create the perfect base and structure for layering.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the meat and onions evenly.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a meaty, savory foundation for the sauce.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that energizes the sauce.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce: A tangy, tomatoey element that ties everything together.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and mild flavor essential to this three-cheese delight.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for a silky consistency.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that beloved stretchy cheese effect.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a salty, nutty flavor punch that enhances every layer.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses bright herbal notes to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the sauce.
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping: Creates an irresistibly golden and bubbly crust.
How to Make Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the noodles
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then cook the lasagna noodles until they’re perfectly al dente—firm but tender. This ensures they hold up through the layering and baking without becoming mushy. Drain and set them aside so they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Make the meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat is nicely browned and the onions softened. Stir in minced garlic and let the aroma fill your kitchen for about a minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes to marry the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the ricotta filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. This creamy, herby mixture will add luscious texture and flavor, complementing the meat sauce perfectly within the layers.
Step 4: Layer the lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Follow with a layer of cooked noodles, then dollop on the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Repeat these layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—until all components are used up. Finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan to get that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to slice and serve without losing any delicious layers.
How to Serve Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh contrast that elevates the rich flavors. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top can also bring a silky finish to each slice.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also make perfect companions, offering a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy interior.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the lasagna in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for an inviting, personalized touch. Layer the lasagna in a glass baking dish to show off its beautiful, cheesy layers—a real feast for the eyes and the palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist and prevent it from absorbing other fridge smells. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes like a dream. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight container before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months and allows you to have a ready-made comforting meal any time you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual slices, covering them to keep moisture intact. A touch of extra cheese on top before reheating revives that freshly-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic and provide a balanced flavor and texture, you can experiment with fontina, provolone, or even asiago for a unique twist. Just keep the cheese quantities similar for best results.
Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use your favorite plant-based meat alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. The cheeses will still give you that rich, satisfying texture.
How far ahead can I assemble the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe?
You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh just before your meal to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Do I need to boil the noodles before layering?
Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente is recommended unless you are using no-boil noodles specifically designed for lasagna. Pre-cooking ensures they soften properly during baking without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe without compromise.
Final Thoughts
This Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe is pure comfort on a plate and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Its layers of savory sauces, herbs, and three kinds of cheese will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. So grab your apron and start layering—delicious memories are waiting!
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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 features layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to achieve a bubbly, golden top, this classic Italian-American casserole makes a hearty and comforting main course ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping (about 1/2 cup each)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, basil, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create a smooth cheese mixture.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat these layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat thoroughly and meld the layers.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set the layers, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking for convenience.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the meat sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage to vary the flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat or use a plant-based meat alternative.
