Cheesy Lasagna

Cheesy lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this hearty dish is the perfect solution. With layers of delicious pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses, it’s no wonder lasagna is a beloved staple in kitchens around the world. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it always delivers satisfaction with every gooey, cheesy bite!

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to try making Cheesy Lasagna at home. For starters, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults rave about. This dish is budget-friendly and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal effort, you can serve a hearty meal that feels special without breaking the bank! The comforting layers provide a symphony of flavors that keep everyone coming back for seconds.

“I made this cheesy lasagna for a family gathering, and it disappeared in moments! Everyone loved it—definitely my new go-to recipe!” — A satisfied home cook

Preparing Cheesy Lasagna

Making Cheesy Lasagna involves a few straightforward steps that come together beautifully. Before you dive into the ingredients, here’s an overview of the cooking process:

1. Start by preheating your oven.
2. Then, cook the lasagna noodles until they’re perfectly al dente.
3. Prepare the meat mixture in a skillet while blending the creamy cheese ingredients in a bowl.
4. Layer the ingredients strategically in your baking dish, finishing with a cheesy topping.
5. Finally, pop it in the oven to bake until bubbly and golden.

What you’ll need

Gather these items to create your delicious Cheesy Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef or sausage (your choice!)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian version!

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; cook until the meat is no longer pink.
4. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, add half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat mixture, and a third of the marinara sauce.
7. Repeat this layering process, finishing with noodles on top and the remaining sauce.
8. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Best ways to enjoy it

To enhance your Cheesy Lasagna experience, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A light red wine can also complement the rich flavors beautifully. For serving, cut generous pieces and drizzle a bit of extra marinara over the top for visual appeal.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Storing your Cheesy Lasagna is simple! Cool the leftover portions to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can refrigerate for up to 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings as needed.

Pro chef tips

• For an extra level of flavor, consider adding chopped spinach or mushrooms to your meat mixture.
• You can make the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight before baking. Just extend the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
• Covering the dish with foil during baking prevents over-browning of the cheese, but don’t forget to remove it for the last 15 minutes.

Creative twists

Lasagna is versatile! You can try various fillings or sauces, such as replacing beef with turkey or shredded chicken. For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or use spicy sausage. Consider experimenting with different cheese blends—Ricotta, Gouda, or even vegan alternatives can add unique flavors!

Common questions

What are the prep and cook times for this recipe?
Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cook time is approximately 40-50 minutes.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Using no-boil noodles can save you time, but make sure to increase the sauce quantity to ensure the noodles cook properly.

How do I keep my lasagna from becoming soggy?
Use a baking dish that isn’t too deep, ensure meat is well-cooked and drained, and use thick marinara sauce to avoid extra moisture.

This Cheesy Lasagna recipe not only fills your belly but warms your heart too. Give it a try, and you might find yourself making it a weekly tradition!

Cheesy Lasagna

A classic comfort food with layers of pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses, perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Ingredients for the Meat Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef or sausage Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Cheese Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve half for topping.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve half for topping.

Noodles and Sauce

• 9 pieces lasagna noodles
• 2 cups marinara sauce Use thick sauce to prevent sogginess.

Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; cook until the meat is no longer pink.
• In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.

Assembly

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, add half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat mixture, and a third of the marinara sauce.
• Repeat this layering process, finishing with noodles on top and the remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Cooking

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Can refrigerate for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Keyword Cheesy Lasagna, comfort food, Family Recipe, Lasagna, Pasta Dish