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Meat and Cheese Lasagna on a speckled brown table. There are plates, and a checkered napkin on the table.
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5 from 1 vote

The Best Lasagna Recipe

If you are looking for the cheesiest most flavorful homemade lasagna recipe, you have come to the right place! Our family recipe features 3 different kinds of cheese (cottage, ricotta, and mozzarella), seasoned ground beef, and hearty pasta sauce layered between no-bake lasagna noodles.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: cottage cheese, lasagna, layered lasagna, meat and cheese lasagna, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 414cal
Author: Amy Desrosiers
Cost: $9

Equipment

  • Pyrex 13" x 9" Deep Dish Casserole
  • large skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • cheese grater or food processor
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 48 ounces marinara sauce
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 32 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 16 ounces cottage cheese
  • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella grated
  • 9 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles one full box*
  • fresh basil chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Add the ground beef and onion to a frying pan and season it with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  • Pan-fry the seasoned ground beef, and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a large bowl, mix the meat with the cottage, ricotta, and tomato paste. Add in one raw large egg and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Grate a 16-ounce block of fresh mozzarella cheese.
  • Line a deep dish pan with no-bake lasagna noodles. You can also use traditional noodles if you prefer.
  • Add a layer of meat & cheese mixture, sauce, and top with another layer of noodles. Add mozzarella cheese and repeat twice more. You should have 3 layers.
  • Add the remaining mozzarella cheese to the top.
  • Place in the oven on the enter-rack and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
  • Remove from oven and allow the lasagna to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutritional values may vary and are meant to be a guide. 
MAKING LASAGNA AHEAD OF TIME
To make this comfort meal ahead of time simply do all of the above steps but do not bake the casserole. Cover it with an airtight cover or wrap and store in the fridge until ready to make it.
This will last up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 414cal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 956mg | Potassium: 710mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1082IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 331mg | Iron: 3mg