Four Cheese Lasagna
Layers of tender pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a glorious blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone cheese, all baked to bubbly, golden-brown perfection. The ultimate comfort food for family dinners.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 95 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meat Sauce
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- f.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper.
- g.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 30 minutes (or up to 90 minutes for a deeper flavor).
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Ricotta Filling and Preheat Oven
- b.While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, 1 cup of the parmesan cheese, the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- d.Mix until everything is well combined. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Lasagna
- b.Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Arrange 4 no-boil lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- d.Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- e.Layer with 4 slices of provolone cheese, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- f.Spoon about 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- g.Repeat the layers: 4 noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, the remaining 4 provolone slices, and another 1 cup of mozzarella.
- h.Spoon another 1/3 of the meat sauce over the top.
- i.Place the final 4 noodles on top. Cover completely with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring the edges are covered to prevent them from drying out.
- j.Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the remaining 0.5 cup of parmesan cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the Lasagna
- b.Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. To prevent the cheese from sticking, you can lightly spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray.
- c.Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- d.Carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- c.This crucial step allows the layers to set, preventing the lasagna from falling apart when you cut into it.
- d.Slice and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the richest flavor, let your meat sauce simmer for as long as you can, up to 90 minutes.
- 2Using freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly.
- 3Don't skip the resting period! It's essential for clean, well-defined slices.
- 4For a creamier texture, use whole milk ricotta and low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella.
- 5This lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Delight
Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Add an extra layer of roasted red peppers for more flavor.
Spicy Sausage KickSpicy Sausage Kick
Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of spicy or sweet Italian sausage (casings removed) for a different flavor profile.
Creamy White LasagnaCreamy White Lasagna
For a different take, replace the ricotta filling with a classic Béchamel sauce (a white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk) layered between the pasta and meat sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of ground beef and four types of cheese provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Calcium
With generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan, this dish is packed with calcium, a vital mineral for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Lycopene
The tomato-based sauce is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases and improved skin health.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this Four Cheese Lasagna contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and cheeses.