Layered Cheesy Italian Lasagna

Layered Cheesy Italian Lasagna is a comforting classic that can turn a simple meal into a delightful experience. This hearty dish, rich in flavor and texture, is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. I still remember the first time I made this lasagna—a bustling Sunday evening filled with laughter and aromas wafting from the kitchen. There’s something magical about layering up those ingredients, nurturing them into a bubbling masterpiece that everyone loves. If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone together, look no further!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This lasagna stands out not just for its rich, cheesy layers but also for its ease of preparation. It’s budget-friendly, using ingredients you likely have on hand, and is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this recipe is incredibly satisfying and versatile. Plus, it’s the perfect way to showcase your culinary skills without spending all day in the kitchen.

“I made this for a family dinner, and it was a huge hit! The kids couldn’t get enough, and the flavors were spot on.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating Layered Cheesy Italian Lasagna is a straightforward process that yields spectacular results. Start by collecting your ingredients and prepping your kitchen, as this will streamline your cooking experience. Here’s what you can expect: you’ll boil your noodles, sauté the savory meat with onions and garlic, create a velvety ricotta mixture, and then assemble these flavorful layers that will soon be devoured.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey, or the marinara sauce for a homemade version if you want to customize your dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and lay flat on a towel to dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
7. To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over them. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat with another layer of sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
10. Add a final layer of noodles, covering with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Serving

To serve your Layered Cheesy Italian Lasagna perfectly, consider a simple side salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is another fantastic accompaniment, allowing for deliciously cheesy sopping. For a touch of freshness, garnish each slice with extra parsley or grated Parmesan just before serving.

Best Way to Store Layered Cheesy Italian Lasagna

To keep your lasagna fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen; wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through. Remember, proper food handling is essential to ensure safety when storing and reheating.

Helpful Hints

• To save time, prepare the meat sauce and ricotta mixture a day in advance and assemble the lasagna when you’re ready to bake.
• For extra flavor, consider adding chopped mushrooms or spinach to the meat mixture.
• If you want to lighten it up, use whole grain noodles, and low-fat cheese.

Creative Twists

Feel free to put your spin on this lasagna! Add layers of sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a veggie boost. For those who love a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also swap the traditional marinara for a white sauce for a unique creamy version that’s equally delicious.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this lasagna?
Prep time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 40 minutes for baking, making this a fairly quick meal to pull together for dinner.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the meat with roasted vegetables or cooked lentils, and keep the other ingredients the same.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The cheese on top should be bubbly and golden brown. If it’s browned too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.

With every cheesy, layered slice of this Italian lasagna, you’re sure to share a smile. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a classic recipe worthy of any table. Enjoy!

Layered Cheesy Italian Lasagna

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• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian option available

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Description

A comforting classic lasagna featuring rich layers of cheesy goodness that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and lay flat on a towel to dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over them. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat with another layer of sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
10. Add a final layer of noodles, covering with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with roasted vegetables or lentils. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: lasagna, Italian recipe, cheesy, comfort food, family dinner