Marnie's Cheesy Meat Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your lasagna pan.

3. Add a layer of noodles on top.

4. Spread fresh ricotta cheese over the noodles as evenly as possible.

5. Spoon a generous amount of meat sauce over the ricotta layer. (Optional: Mix ricotta with some sauce in a bowl before layering.)

6. Sprinkle a mix of shredded cheeses over the sauce.

7. 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!