Ultimate Four Cheese Lasagna Recipe: A Taste of Italian Comfort Food

Few dishes evoke the comforting warmth and satisfying richness of a classic lasagna. Our Easy Four Cheese Lasagna Recipe elevates this beloved Italian-American staple to new heights, showcasing a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Imagine tender pasta sheets embracing a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a tangy Gorgonzola, all bathed in a luscious tomato sauce. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal, this four cheese lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

Yields: 8 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 45-50 minutes

A- For the Meat Sauce (Optional, for a richer flavor):

• 225 g / 0.5 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 120 g / 0.4 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 10 g / 2 teaspoons)
• 700 g / 24 oz (about 3 cups) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

B- For the Cheese Filling:

• 450 g / 1 lb ricotta cheese (full-fat or part-skim)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 50 g / 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 115 g / 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• 50 g / 0.5 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (or other blue cheese)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (about 15 g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

C- For the Lasagna:

• 250 g / about 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles (or regular lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce (Optional):

If using meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, ¹ oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.  

2. Make the Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth. Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful that Gorgonzola is already salty, so taste before adding more salt.

3. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F / Gas Mark 5. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (approximately 23×33 cm) baking dish.

4. Layer the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (if using) or a thin layer of crushed tomatoes (if omitting meat) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the noodles. Spoon another layer of the meat sauce (or crushed tomatoes) over the cheese. Repeat with another layer of lasagna noodles, the remaining cheese filling, and the remaining meat sauce (or crushed tomatoes). Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles.

5. Add the Final Cheesy Touch:

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of noodles.

6. Bake the Lasagna:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the lasagna is heated through.

7. Rest Before Serving:

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

Cooking Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat sauce entirely and use a vegetable-based marinara sauce or simply crushed tomatoes. You can also add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or cheese filling for a touch of heat.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme in the cheese filling or meat sauce.
• Different Cheeses: Feel free to substitute or add other cheeses you enjoy, such as provolone, fontina, or Gruyère. For a Scandinavian twist, consider adding a layer of smoked cheese for a unique flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
• Freezing Instructions: Leftover lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 175°C / 350°F until heated through.

Easy Four Cheese Lasagna Recipe : Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 450-550 (depending on meat and cheese choices)
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g

Note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. 

FAQs:

• Can I use fresh lasagna sheets? Yes, you can! Adjust the baking time accordingly, as fresh pasta may cook faster.
• Can I make this lasagna without ricotta cheese? While ricotta is a key component of the traditional cheese filling, you could try substituting it with a mixture of cottage cheese and cream cheese, blended until smooth. The texture might be slightly different.
• How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery? Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked meat. Also, don’t overcook the lasagna, as the moisture from the cheese and sauce can seep out. Letting it rest before serving is crucial for the layers to set.
• What kind of tomato sauce should I use? This recipe provides instructions for a simple homemade meat sauce, but you can also use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce to save time.

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Easy Four Cheese Lasagna Recipe! Please don’t hesitate to share your feedback and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Learn more about the history of lasagna.