Lasagna has always been one of my favorite go-to comfort meals, and this recipe is a true family treasure. It all started when I treated myself to some new kitchen essentials—shiny saucepans, a kiwi-colored kettle, and the pièce de résistance: a beautiful lasagna pan. Excited to try out my new cookware, I got to work whipping up this cheesy, hearty lasagna.
Sometimes I use homemade pasta; other times, I rely on boxed noodles—this recipe works wonderfully with both! Last night, I even combined spinach and regular noodles to clean out the cupboard.
This recipe is all about layers of flavor, a combination of gooey cheeses, and a rich meat sauce that makes every bite a satisfying experience. Perfect for dinner parties, a comforting family meal, or freezer-ready leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe
Rich and Flavorful: Layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheeses make every bite unforgettable.
Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses, mix and match noodles, or add a personal touch to make it yours.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and easy reheating on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
1 ½ boxes lasagna noodles (regular or spinach)
2 tubs fresh ricotta cheese (approx. 32 oz total)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Optional: ½ cup shredded asiago or emmental cheese
For the Meat Sauce:
Your favorite homemade or store-bought spaghetti meat sauce (enough for layering generously)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the water to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, rinse the noodles with cold water and set them aside in a colander.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your lasagna pan.
Add a layer of noodles on top.
Spread fresh ricotta cheese over the noodles as evenly as possible.
Spoon a generous amount of meat sauce over the ricotta layer. (Optional: Mix ricotta with some sauce in a bowl before layering.)
Sprinkle a mix of shredded cheeses over the sauce.
Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, shredded cheeses, until the pan is filled (about 4–5 layers).
Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna
Cheese Variations: Use what you have! Mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, and provolone are my favorites, but feel free to experiment.
Noodle Prep: Draining and rinsing noodles in cold water prevents them from sticking and makes assembly easier.
Freezing Tip: Leftovers freeze beautifully. Slice cooled lasagna into portions and store in foil containers for quick reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy lasagna with:
A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.
Final Thoughts
Marnie’s Cheesy Meat Lasagna is a recipe for the ages—simple, customizable, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or prepping meals for the week ahead, this lasagna won’t disappoint. Serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy it as leftovers; it’s a dish that only gets better with time.
Let me know if you try this recipe or make any tweaks—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy cooking!