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