Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting Italian classic, this Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is about to steal your heart (and maybe your fork, too!). With rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly tender noodles, it’s a recipe that brings friends and family running to the table every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna lies in its simple, fresh ingredients—you don’t need anything fancy, but each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that unforgettable golden top layer.

• Ground beef (1 lb, 15-20% fat): Lends hearty, savory richness; opt for a bit of fat for the best flavor.
• Onion (1 medium, finely diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the meat sauce.
• Garlic (2 large cloves, minced): Brings in classic Italian depth and fragrance.
• Dry red wine (1/4 cup) or beef broth: De-glazes the pan and infuses a subtle complexity.
• Olive oil (1 Tbsp): For sautéing and extra flavor richness.
• Marinara Sauce (24 oz / 3 cups): The tomato backbone of the dish; use a good-quality jar or homemade.
• Sea salt & black pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Dried thyme (1/4 tsp): Adds subtle earthy warmth.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 tsp): Just a touch softens the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Parsley (2 Tbsp, finely chopped): Brings a fresh, vibrant note to both the sauce and cheese mixture.
• Lasagna noodles (9, cooked al dente): The sturdy foundation—don’t overcook, they’ll soften more in the oven.
• Low-fat cottage cheese (16 oz): Makes the cheese layer creamy and light.
• Reduced fat ricotta (15 oz): Creates the signature velvety texture in the cheese sauce.
• Large egg (1): Binds the cheese layer for that perfect slice.
• Mozzarella cheese (4 cups, shredded, divided): Melts into bubbly, golden, stretchy deliciousness.

Variations

The beauty of Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is how easy it is to personalize! Don’t be afraid to experiment—these swaps and tweaks let you tailor your lasagna for any dietary preference or what you have on hand.

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Skip the ground beef and layer in sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for a veggie-packed delight.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into your meat sauce for extra heat.
• Full-Fat Cheese Lovers: Swap in whole-milk ricotta and full-fat mozzarella for a richer, more decadent experience.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this classic suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Upgrades: Mix in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to the mozzarella for a sharp, nutty layer of flavor.

How to Make Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Create the Savory Meat Sauce

In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high and sauté the ground beef and diced onion together. As the beef browns, break it into small crumbles—this helps it melt into the sauce perfectly. Add the garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute, then deglaze with red wine (or beef broth) so all those browned bits add depth. Marinara, thyme, sugar, salt, pepper, and parsley join the party next. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes, covered, to meld the flavors into a robust, fragrant sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ricotta, egg, parsley, and a cup of mozzarella. This trio is the soul of Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna—creamy, luscious, and just sturdy enough to hold its shape between the meat and noodles when sliced. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a pinch of salt or extra herbs if you love a punch of flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook your lasagna noodles just until al dente (firm-tender). Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Give each noodle a gentle shake to get rid of excess water—this helps with even layering.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Lay down three noodles, then top with a third of your meat sauce, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat twice more, finishing with a layer of noodles and plenty of mozzarella on top for that signature golden, bubbly crust.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

To keep your cheesy top perfect, poke toothpicks across the surface before gently covering the pan with foil. Bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes, then uncover and broil briefly to achieve a glorious golden top. Rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing—the hardest part, but worth every second!

How to Serve Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna

Garnishes

This is your moment to add a pop of color and flavor—sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the hot, bubbling lasagna just before serving. For an extra Italian touch, a light grate of fresh Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil will truly make your Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna shine.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple and fresh to balance the richness: a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or garlicky sautéed spinach all work beautifully. And of course, don’t forget a big basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the lasagna straight from the pan, family-style. To impress at a dinner party, cut into neat squares and layer each serving onto pre-warmed plates, adding a little swirl of extra marinara and a basil sprig. Or try mini lasagna stacks for an elegant appetizer twist—they’re adorable and totally irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits, so you might even find the second-day slices even more delicious!

Freezing

Lasagna loves the freezer! You can freeze the whole baked (or unbaked) lasagna, tightly covered, for up to three months. I recommend slicing and wrapping individual portions for easy future meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through—this keeps the cheese gooey and prevents drying out. For a quick fix, the microwave works too; just add a splash of water or extra sauce and cover loosely to steam as it heats.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s truly hard to beat the comfort of a bubbling, golden pan of Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna. Whether you’re serving hungry friends, celebrating a family milestone, or just treating yourself to a cozy Sunday supper, this recipe is sure to bring plenty of smiles and happy forks. Give it a try soon—you’ll see just how irresistible homemade lasagna can be!

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