Get ready to wrap yourself in a warm, cheesy hug with my Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna. This ultimate comfort-food classic layers tender noodles, a rich and savory meat sauce, and three irresistible cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. With its perfect balance of creamy and hearty, every bite is an invitation to slow down, savor, and share something truly special with family and friends. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a celebratory gathering, this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna will steal the show and linger lovingly in your memory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this lasagna is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to bold flavors, sumptuous layers, and that signature golden, cheesy top. Take a peek at the list below, where every element promises to make your Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna the star of your table.
- Lasagna noodles (12): Opt for classic or oven-ready noodles for perfect, sturdy layers that soak up flavor without getting mushy.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Brings rich, savory depth and heartiness to every bite.
- Italian sausage (1/2 lb, casings removed): Infuses the sauce with just the right touch of spiced, garlicky flavor.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Offers sweetness and aromatic backbone to both sauce and filling.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for depth and authentic Italian warmth—never skip the garlic!
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): A simple shortcut that guarantees perfectly seasoned, tomato-rich flavor in every layer.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Adds body, texture, and a mellow tomato tang to the sauce.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Gives your lasagna its classic Mediterranean fragrance.
- Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Offers a subtle, earthy note that balances the sweetness of the tomato.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Elevates every other flavor so your lasagna really sings.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a final peppery kick to both sauce and cheese.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): The creamy, dreamy heart of what makes this a Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna.
- Egg (1 large): Holds the ricotta layer together and delivers the perfect texture.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Meltier than melted, this is where those irresistible cheese strings come from.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): For that classic salty, nutty finish that crowns your casserole.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Sprinkled into the cheese layer and on top, it adds a hit of freshness and color.
How to Make Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna
Step 1: Boil the Lasagna Noodles
Set a large pot of salted water on the stove, bring it to a good rolling boil, and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you use traditional or oven-ready noodles, you want them just shy of fully cooked—think al dente—since they’ll finish softening in the oven, soaking up that luscious sauce. Drain and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Grab your biggest skillet and heat it over medium. Toss in the ground beef, Italian sausage (with those casings removed), diced onion, and minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, until everything’s browned, juicy, and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—the goal is a richly flavored, not greasy, sauce base.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
With the meat mixture still in the skillet, stir in your marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, giving the whole thing a lovely, hearty tomato base. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and let your sauce bubble gently for about 10 minutes. This step lets all the flavors mingle and marry, setting the tone for the Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna.
Step 4: Make the Three-Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, half of your grated Parmesan, and the chopped parsley. Give it a good mix until it’s creamy and flecked with green. This cheese layer will add the gentle, creamy richness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Spoon about 1 cup of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures flavor in every bite. Lay down 4 noodles to fully cover the sauce, then gently spread half your ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next up: a big handful of mozzarella, some sauce, and repeat, building beautiful layers that promise big payoff. Finish with a final layer of noodles, a generous spoonful of sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that golden crown.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep everything moist. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and let it cook another 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as the cheese bubbles and caramelizes—there’s your cue! Once it’s deeply golden and a little crispy around the edges, you’re done. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes so those gorgeous layers set and it slices beautifully.
How to Serve Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the entire casserole, bringing a hit of color and freshness that livens up each cheesy, tomatoey slice. For an extra flourish, add shavings of Parmesan or a dusting of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Serve your Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna with buttery garlic bread to sop up every last drop of sauce. A crisp green salad (think arugula, Romaine, or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette) offers a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to the cheesy layers. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like zucchini or broccoli, make for a colorful, healthy plate alongside your main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Change up your presentation by baking individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or use a decorative ceramic baking dish for a rustic, family-style look. For special occasions, arrange the sliced lasagna on a platter and top with extra chopped herbs, toasted pine nuts, or ribboned basil for a gourmet touch that takes your Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna from comforting to celebration-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover lasagna cool to room temperature before covering the dish or transferring slices to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle, making next-day Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna even more irresistible!
Freezing
You can freeze the entire baked or unbaked lasagna by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. For convenience, freeze single slices so you can defrost only what you need. Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, ready for whenever a comfort food craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat a whole lasagna, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F until warm and bubbly. For individual slices, a quick zap in the microwave or a short stint in the toaster oven does the trick. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce, or should I make my own?
Absolutely, store-bought marinara works perfectly here, especially since you’ll be layering on so many flavors. If you have a family recipe for homemade sauce, though, feel free to use it and make this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna even more personal!
What’s the best way to keep lasagna noodles from sticking?
After boiling, drain the noodles and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, or drizzle very lightly with olive oil and toss gently to keep them separate. This little step makes assembling your Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna so much easier.
Can I substitute other cheeses in this recipe?
Definitely! While the classic trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is what makes this a Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna, you can experiment with Asiago, fontina, or even cottage cheese based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
How far ahead can I assemble the lasagna?
You can assemble it completely the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef and sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty veggie version. The cheese layers and tomato sauce still ensure your Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Every home cook needs a showstopper, and this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna is just that—simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every forkful. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones, tie on your apron, and discover why this classic has become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Happy baking!
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Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Famous Three-Cheese Lasagna. Layers of pasta, savory meats, three types of cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce come together in this classic Italian-American dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Lasagna Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley in a bowl.
- Layer the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat layers. Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can assemble this lasagna a day ahead.
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
