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Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna

Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna
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Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna is a soul-warming, comforting Italian-inspired dish that layers tender lasagna noodles with a luscious tomato sauce and a creamy blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers rich, cheesy goodness with options to customize for meat lovers, vegetarians, or those with dietary preferences, ensuring a delicious meal everyone will crave.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Components

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 3 cups tomato sauce

Meat (Optional)

  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage

Sauce Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and soft. If using, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, fresh basil, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors and thicken slightly, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean surface or baking sheet to prevent sticking as you prepare to assemble.
  3. Mix the Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Season lightly with salt and pepper and mix until well blended to create a creamy cheese mixture for layering.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a rimmed baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture on top. Add another layer of sauce, then noodles and cheese again, repeating until all ingredients are used. Finish the top layer with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help the layers set for neat servings.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and whole-milk ricotta for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not over-sauce; add just enough to keep the layers moist without making them soggy.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to help layers settle for cleaner slices.
  • Spread cheese and sauce layers evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • A rimmed baking dish prevents bubbling sauce and cheese from overflowing.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, three cheese lasagna, Italian recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/famous-three-cheese-lasagna/