Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna Recipe

Every home cook needs a signature comfort food, and for me, it’s hands-down this Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna. From its rich, meaty sauce to the molten trio of cheeses bubbling on top, each slice is pure coziness and flavor layered together. This is the kind of lasagna your family will request on every special occasion — or any night you’re craving a hearty, show-stopping meal.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna relies on a handful of everyday, wholesome ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a pivotal role — from the juicy beef to the freshness of parsley and the oozy blend of cheeses that makes every slice irresistible.

• Ground beef (1 lb, 15-20% fat): Adds big, meaty flavor and a satisfying, savory foundation for your sauce. Choose a blend with a little fat for the juiciest result.
• Medium onion, finely diced: Sautéed onion gives the sauce a mellow sweetness and depth that rounds out the flavors.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Just the right amount of fresh garlic for that classic, fragrant Italian warmth.
• Dry red wine (or beef broth): Wine adds rich undertones (the alcohol cooks off!), but broth offers a tasty alcohol-free swap.
• Olive oil: Helps develop the beef and onion flavors at the very start. Use extra-virgin for a bit of peppery aroma.
• Marinara sauce (24 oz): Store-bought or homemade, it provides a tomatoey base so you can get straight to assembling — no hours of simmering required!
• Sea salt, black pepper, thyme, and sugar: The essential seasoning quartet to coax out flavor and balance the sauce perfectly.
• Parsley, finely chopped: Fresh parsley brings a pop of green color and a burst of garden-fresh brightness throughout.
• Lasagna noodles (9, cooked al dente): The structure for all those glorious layers! Cook just until al dente so they hold together.
• Cottage cheese (16 oz): Yes, cottage cheese! It makes the cheese filling extra creamy and lightens it up a bit.
• Ricotta cheese (15 oz, reduced fat): Classic for lasagna, giving that signature fluffy, rich texture between layers.
• Large egg: A binding agent in the cheese mixture — it helps everything set to sliceable perfection.
• Mozzarella cheese (4 cups, shredded, divided): The star melting cheese for perfect gooey bites and a beautiful golden crust.

Variations

One of the best-kept secrets of Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna is how endlessly versatile it can be! Don’t be afraid to tweak ingredients, substitute what you have on hand, or personalize each layer to suit your cravings or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the beef and add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a lighter, veggie-packed spin.
• Spinach and Cheese Lasagna: Stir a few handfuls of chopped fresh spinach into your cheese mixture for color, flavor, and a subtle nutrient boost.
• Sausage Lover’s Version: Swap half the ground beef for Italian sausage to amp up the savory flavors and add a kick of spice.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles — just be extra gentle when assembling, as some alternative noodles can be a bit delicate.

How to Make Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Meat Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions, sautéing while breaking up the beef, until it’s no longer pink and the onions are beautifully soft — about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic and let it bloom for one more minute so the whole kitchen smells like heaven.

Step 2: Layer in the Flavor

Pour in your red wine (or beef broth) and stir, letting it reduce for a couple of minutes so all those rich flavors concentrate. Mix in the marinara sauce, herbs, salt, pepper, sugar, and parsley. Cover and let everything simmer for a few minutes — the result will be a thick, savory sauce that’s pure magic in every bite.

Step 3: Prep the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ricotta, one cup of mozzarella, the egg, and chopped parsley. This luscious mix is creamy-yet-light, and will keep every layer soft and flavorful while the lasagna bakes up golden.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, so drain them quickly and lay them flat in cool water to keep them from sticking together while you’re assembling.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a little meat sauce over the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay down three noodles, then top with a generous scoop of meat sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and half of your cheese mixture. Continue layering until you have three indulgent stacks. End with a final layer of noodles and lots of mozzarella on top for that signature bubbly, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Before sliding your lasagna into the oven, gently poke a few toothpicks on top — this keeps the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover and bake until the whole kitchen smells incredible and the cheese is oozy. For the final touch: broil uncovered for just a few minutes to get that tempting, golden-brown topping. Be patient and let your Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure picture-perfect layers.

How to Serve Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna

Garnishes

Nothing elevates your Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna quite like a flourish of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. For a little extra flair and savory edge, scatter a small handful of shaved Parmesan or a crack of black pepper. Those vibrant greens and a touch of cheese make every slice look as wonderful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of lasagna with a crisp, tangy green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are classic choices for soaking up every last bit of sauce. If you want to round out the meal, try some simply steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to add freshness and color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider baking your Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna in individual ramekins for an elegant, dinner party-ready twist. Serve slices on a bed of arugula or spinach for a pop of color, or finish each plate with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if your guests love a little heat. It’s all about making each portion feel a little extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftover Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna even more crave-worthy for lunch or easy dinners all week long.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, assemble the lasagna right up to the point before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen (adding about 20 extra minutes to the baking time) or thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350˚F until warmed through. For a single slice, the microwave works fine, but a quick trip under the broiler after reheating restores that lovely bubbly cheese top. Either way, Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna reheats beautifully and tastes just as dreamy the next day.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Homemade lasagna is truly a labor of love — but every step is worth it when you taste that first decadent forkful. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to win hearts and fill bellies, give this Classic Three-Cheese Lasagna a try. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you and your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Print