5 Cheese Lasagna
A cheesy, hearty lasagna layered with ground beef, tomato sauce, and rich cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 2 tablespoons flaked oregano ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 package lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 large container Romano cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) container grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 pounds grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 small curd cottage cheese (32 oz.) ⓘ
- 2 pounds grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pan and drain off the grease.
- Add ground beef, two cans of tomato sauce, one can of water, minced onions, oregano, and garlic to the pan. Cook until thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a baking dish, layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and grated cheeses (Romano, Parmesan, Cheddar, and Mozzarella).
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also mix in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles, which can also lead to a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 5 Cheese Lasagna with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the cheeses and meat sauce. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Hearty Lasagna Soup for a comforting, Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5 Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 562 calories, with 35g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), calcium (102% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. If you prefer, you can also freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can replace it with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. Alternatively, a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can provide a similar richness and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure to drain the cooked meat well and allow the sauce to thicken before layering. Using low-moisture cheeses and avoiding excess liquid from the tomato sauce can also help maintain the right consistency. Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving will help it set up nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).