3 cheese lasagna recipe ground beef

Here’s a detailed recipe for a delicious 3-Cheese Lasagna with Ground Beef.

This recipe includes a rich meat sauce, a creamy cheese layer, and a blend of three different cheeses for a mouthwatering lasagna.

3-Cheese Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is no longer pink and begins to brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if using regular noodles)

1. Boil the Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain and Cool: Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle when assembling the lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.

• First Layer: Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese over the ricotta mixture. Top with a layer of meat sauce.
• Second Layer: Repeat the process with another layer of three noodles, one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and another layer of meat sauce.
• Third Layer: For the final layer, place the remaining three noodles on top. Spread the last of the ricotta cheese mixture, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and finish with the remaining meat sauce.

1. Cover with Foil: To prevent the cheese from burning, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil. You can lightly grease the underside of the foil with a bit of oil to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Bake Covered: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes with the foil on.
2. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. The top should be golden brown.
3. Rest Before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the lasagna into squares and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
2. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Tips for Making the Perfect Lasagna

1. Choose the Right Cheese: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone offers a perfect balance of creaminess, gooeyness, and flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses like fontina, asiago, or pecorino romano for a different taste.
2. Make the Sauce Ahead: The meat sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can save you time when assembling the lasagna.
3. Layer Evenly: For a perfect lasagna, ensure each layer is spread evenly. This helps the flavors blend well and makes for a more aesthetically pleasing dish when served.
4. Don’t Skip Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut and serve without the layers sliding apart.
5. Customize Your Lasagna: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
6. Freezing Instructions: This lasagna freezes well. To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if needed.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

Enjoy this hearty, comforting 3-Cheese Lasagna with Ground Beef with your family and friends!

It’s perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion.

The layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta make this dish irresistible.