Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, crowd-pleasing meal that guarantees sighs of contentment at the table, this Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is your answer. Gooey, golden layers of cheese, rich savory meat sauce, and hearty noodles come together in a dish that’s deeply comforting—and wildly delicious from the very first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is all about building irresistible flavor with a handful of classic ingredients. Each component brings its own secret to the magic—cheese gives creaminess, herbs add sparkle, and the savory meat sauce delivers that iconic heartiness!

• Ground beef (1 lb, 15-20% fat): The rich foundation of the meat sauce—stick to this fat range for a sauce that’s hearty but not greasy.
• Onion (1 medium, finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth—don’t skip it!
• Garlic cloves (2 large, minced): Two big cloves bring irresistible aroma and bold flavor.
• Dry red wine (1/4 cup, or beef broth): A splash intensifies the sauce; beef broth makes it kid-friendly.
• Olive oil (1 Tbsp): For sautéing and rounding out the sauce’s richness.
• Marinara sauce (24 oz / 3 cups): Use your favorite jarred or homemade kind for a vibrant tomato base.
• Sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, granulated sugar: These little seasonings balance all the flavors and brighten the sauce.
• Parsley (2 Tbsp, finely chopped): Gives a pop of freshness in both the sauce and cheese mixture.
• Lasagna noodles (9, cooked al dente): Structure for those luscious layers—don’t overcook!
• Low-fat cottage cheese (16 oz): This lighter cheese adds creamy texture without heaviness.
• Reduced fat ricotta cheese (15 oz): Ricotta makes the cheese filling velvety and rich.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the cheeses together for a perfect slice.
• Mozzarella cheese (4 cups, shredded, divided): For all that bubbling, stretchy deliciousness!

Variations

One of the best things about Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is how easy it is to play around with the recipe. Whether you want to sneak in more veggies, swap the meat, or experiment with extra cheeses, there’s so much room to make this lasagna your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and boost flavor and nutrition by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini to the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or swap in Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier bite.
• Four-Cheese Upgrade: Add a layer of provolone or fontina to make it ultra cheesy and decadent.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or whole zucchini strips for a lighter, wheat-free twist.

How to Make Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Savory Meat Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then sauté while breaking up the meat for about five minutes, until the beef loses its pinkness. Stir in the garlic and cook for just a minute, letting the aroma bloom. Pour in the wine (or beef broth), and let it sizzle and reduce nearly fully—this gives the sauce a restaurant-worthy richness! Add the marinara, seasonings, and parsley; bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for five more minutes to let the flavors meld. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing already.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling

Grab a big mixing bowl and stir together the cottage cheese, ricotta, one cup of mozzarella, egg, and chopped parsley. This blend creates that unforgettable, creamy layer in Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna—light but never bland. Mix until everything’s smooth and you can see green flecks of parsley throughout.

Step 3: Prep Your Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. Gently cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente—firm but tender—according to the package directions. Immediately drain and transfer the noodles to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking and keep them from sticking together as you assemble.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Spread a little meat sauce (about half a cup) into the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lay three noodles over the sauce, then add about a third of the meat sauce and sprinkle with a cup of mozzarella. Dollop and evenly spread half your cheese sauce over the top. Build two more layers just like this, finishing with noodles, meat sauce, and a final big handful of mozzarella on top. Each layer locks in flavor and promises a beautiful, gooey interior.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Poke 9–12 toothpicks over the top—this prevents foil from sticking to your cheese. Cover the lasagna snugly with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. For irresistibly golden cheesy tops, remove the foil and broil for about 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. The top should bubble and brown just slightly. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing—this is key to perfect, clean layers.

How to Serve Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, scatter extra chopped parsley or fresh basil leaves over the hot lasagna just before serving. If you want to amp up the cheese factor, a light dusting of grated Parmesan makes it even more inviting and adds a little extra salty finish.

Side Dishes

Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is a meal all by itself, but pairing it with bright, crisp sides makes it extra special. A lemony arugula salad or simple Caesar keeps things refreshing, while garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try slicing and stacking lasagna into tall, tidy squares for an elegant look on the plate. For family-style fun, serve directly from the baking dish at the center of the table—there’s something magical about everyone tucking in together! You can even bake in individual ramekins for a festive, personal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna keeps beautifully! Cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator—it will taste great for up to four days. The flavors just keep getting better as they meld overnight.

Freezing

This lasagna is super freezer-friendly. Wrap the unbaked or fully cooled baked lasagna tightly in plastic and foil—then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating as usual for a fuss-free dinner down the line.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm slices or the whole tray in a 350°F oven until the center is piping hot (about 20–30 minutes for a full pan). For best results, let the lasagna come up to room temperature before reheating—it’ll heat evenly and the cheese will melt just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving true comfort that’s easy enough for a weeknight but worthy of celebration, Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is the recipe to try. Don’t be surprised when your family asks for seconds—and the leftovers mysteriously disappear before tomorrow’s lunch. Enjoy every hearty, cheesy bite!

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