Easy 3-Cheese Lasagna
Creamy, cheesy lasagna layered with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and rich spaghetti sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining, offering comforting flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 4 c. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 8 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. dry cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- sour cream, bread crumbs, fresh fruit or preserves (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Force ricotta cheese through a sieve and mix thoroughly until free from lumps.
- Add butter, egg yolks, salt, sugar, and flour to the cheese mixture.
- Beat thoroughly until light and smooth.
- Fold in the well-beaten egg whites carefully.
- Layer cooked lasagna noodles in a baking dish and spread with the cheese mixture.
- Top with spaghetti sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers if desired, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cottage cheese and ricotta. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can substitute part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor; try adding fresh basil or oregano. Use Ben'S Spaghetti Sauce for a rich, hearty flavor. Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light red wine, like Chianti, complements the flavors well. For a twist, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top or sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Explore more Italian recipes to create a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy 3-Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 1148 calories, with 33g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese for a similar texture. For a lighter option, blend tofu with a bit of lemon juice and salt for a dairy-free alternative. This will still give you a creamy filling without the ricotta.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure to use less watery pasta sauce or drain excess liquid from the cooked noodles. Layering cheese and sauce properly can also help absorb moisture. Allowing the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes after baking before serving will also help it set.
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).