Description
Classic Cheesy Lasagna with Spinach and Meat Sauce
This Classic Cheesy Lasagna combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, spinach, and melted mozzarella. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
:
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the cheese layer:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the lasagna assembly:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
:
Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix the cheese layer:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Bake the lasagna:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and enjoy:
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
This Classic Cheesy Lasagna is hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for gatherings or meal prep and tastes even better as leftovers. Enjoy every layer of deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless lasagna. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped: cook noodles al dente, chop spinach, and shred cheeses. For the sauce, brown the meat thoroughly before draining fat to avoid greasiness. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds to prevent burning. Simmer the combined sauce to let flavors meld. For assembly, use a ladle to spread sauces evenly. Start and end with a meat sauce layer to prevent noodles from drying out. The final top layer should be mozzarella and oregano for perfect browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a toasted baguette is perfect for scooping up extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, pair with a light, acidic wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven covered with foil to maintain texture.
How-to Summary
To make Classic Cheesy Lasagna: 1) Brown meat and simmer with marinara for sauce. 2) Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and spinach for cheese layer. 3) In a 9×13 dish, alternate layers of sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, and mozzarella. 4) Bake covered at 375°F for 25 min, then uncovered for 20 min until golden. 5) Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes. Ensure there is ample sauce surrounding the noodles, and consider adding ¼ cup of water to the sauce for the bottom layer to help them hydrate.
How can I make this vegetarian? Simply omit the ground meat. Use a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a hearty texture.
How do I freeze baked lasagna? Cool the baked lasagna completely. Slice, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why did my lasagna turn out watery? This is often due to excess moisture from fresh spinach or ricotta. Thoroughly wilt and drain the spinach, and use full-fat ricotta which has less water content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: They will soften further during baking, so cook only until al dente.
- Not draining meat fat: This can make the final dish greasy.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart. Let it set for 10 minutes.
- Using cold ricotta: Let it come to room temperature for easier, smoother mixing.
- Over-saucing: Too much sauce between layers can make the structure soggy.
Conclusion
This Classic Cheesy Lasagna with Spinach and Meat Sauce is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that rewards a little care in preparation. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a perfectly layered, flavorful masterpiece. It’s a versatile recipe that supports customization while delivering the ultimate comfort food experience for any table.