THREE CHEESE LASAGNA

Three Cheese Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a vegetarian version)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680g) jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
   • Stir in the marinara or spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
   • Spread a layer of the cheese filling over the noodles.
   • Add another layer of sauce over the cheese filling.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese filling, sauce) until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of sauce.
6. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.
7. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
9. Garnish (Optional):
   • Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Enjoy your delicious three cheese lasagna!