Five-Cheese Lasagna
Creamy five-cheese lasagna layered with seasoned meats, herbs, and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pkg. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 6 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef or meatball mixture ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped dried parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 2/3 c. light cream or milk ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook lasagna noodles, boiling for 4 to 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
- In a medium-sized skillet, cook ground beef or meatball mixture, ground sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until meat is brown and vegetables are tender; drain off fat.
- Set aside.
- Combine the cubed cream cheese and light cream or milk with the parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan.
- Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted.
- Stir in dry white wine.
- Gradually add the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cook and stir until cheese is nearly melted; remove from heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. You can also substitute the ground sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. Adding fresh herbs like basil and parsley can enhance the dish's flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can save you preparation time. For a twist, try incorporating some spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Five-Cheese Lasagna with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian red wine, like Chianti, pairs beautifully with this dish. For an additional treat, consider serving Miniature Lasagna Tarts as an appetizer. If you're looking for more Italian recipes, this lasagna is a satisfying centerpiece that will impress guests.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five-Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 678 calories, with 39g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 780mg per serving (34% 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?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. This makes it convenient for entertaining or busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for the ground sausage?
If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground sausage. You can also opt for a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to season well to maintain the flavor profile of the dish.
How can I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, ensure that any vegetables used are well-drained and cooked before layering. Additionally, using a thicker marinara sauce can help absorb excess moisture. Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking will also help it set, making serving easier.
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).