Get ready to dig into layers of deliciousness with this Triple Cheese Meat Lasagna. This hearty dish features layers of rich meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of three creamy cheeses that melt together into perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this lasagna is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Directions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fresh parsley at the end of cooking.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with the meat sauce on top.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the lasagna is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy this cheesy, meaty masterpiece!
How to Prepare
The key to this indulgent lasagna is the rich, flavorful meat sauce paired with the creamy, cheesy filling. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a gooey, decadent layer that perfectly complements the hearty meat sauce. Make sure to allow the lasagna to rest after baking so the layers can firm up, making each slice picture-perfect and delicious.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
FAQs
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Can I freeze lasagna? Absolutely. Lasagna freezes well. You can freeze it unbaked or after baking. If freezing unbaked, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when you bake it.
- What can I serve with lasagna? A simple green salad and garlic bread are perfect accompaniments.
- Can I substitute the meats? Yes, you can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of ground meats depending on your preference.