Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! Our Three Cheese Meat Lasagna is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors, featuring layers of rich ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped up in perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. With just a little prep and a dash of love, you can create a dish that will impress family and friends alike. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this cheesy delight that promises to be the star of your dining table!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Top the final layer of noodles with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. They will continue to cook in the oven, so a slight bite is ideal.
- Layering Technique: For a well-structured lasagna, be generous with your layers. Start with a base of meat sauce, then noodles, cheese mixtures, and repeat. This will help the lasagna hold together when served.
- Resting Time: Allow your lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Adding a bit of provolone or fontina can elevate the flavor profile even further!
- Make Ahead: Lasagna can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every cheesy bite of this classic Italian dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
