Ultimate Cheesy Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and ultra-cheesy lasagna, this recipe is for you! Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this lasagna delivers bold flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (24 oz) jars marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)

For Assembly:

• 12–15 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente or oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in marinara sauce and add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream.
2. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

1. If using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the noodles until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
5. Add another layer of meat sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a final layer of noodles and sauce.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations

• Make It Spicy – Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian Option – Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Gluten-Free Alternative – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thin slices of zucchini instead of pasta.
• Extra Cheesy – Add an extra layer of shredded cheese between each noodle layer for even more cheesiness.
• Make Ahead – Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply bake when ready.

How to Store and Reheat Lasagna

Refrigerator:

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until heated through.

Freezer:

• To freeze unbaked lasagna, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To freeze baked lasagna, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese is a great alternative to ricotta and will give the lasagna a slightly different texture.

2. Do I have to cook the noodles first?

Not necessarily. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip boiling them. If using regular noodles, cooking them al dente is best.

3. How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure to drain the meat well, use high-quality marinara sauce, and let the lasagna rest before slicing to allow the layers to set.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach make great additions to the meat sauce or cheese mixture.

5. What’s the best way to reheat lasagna without drying it out?

Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. You can also add a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your cheesy lasagna with:

• Garlic Bread – A crispy side to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Green Salad – A light, refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and tasty complement.

This Ultimate Cheesy Lasagna is a perfect meal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. Its creamy, cheesy layers and rich, savory sauce make it a family favorite every time!