My Famous Lasagna

 

This is the ultimate cozy, soul-warming comfort food. Hearty, deeply flavorful, and layered with care, this lasagna features tender pasta, savory beef, and a uniquely rich and creamy cheese blend. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing masterpiece every time.

•  Prep Time: 45 minutes

•  Cook Time: 40 minutes

•  Rest Time: 30 minutes

•  Servings: 12

 INGREDIENTS

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 lbs ground sirloin

• 1 (24 oz) jar meat-flavored spaghetti sauce

• ½ tablespoon salt

• ½ tablespoon black pepper

• ½ tablespoon garlic powder

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream

• 1 (8 oz) container small-curd cottage cheese

• 1 (6 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1 teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  

   DIRECTIONS

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground sirloin, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

  • Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it simmer on low while you prepare the other components.

  2. Make the Cheese Filling:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth.

  • Stir in 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

  3. Cook the Noodles:

  • Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions (usually about 10 minutes).

  • Drain and lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

  4. Assemble the Lasagna:

  • Grease a 9×13-inch deep baking dish.

  • Base Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.

  • First Layer: Place 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, followed by one-third of the cheese filling.

  • First Cheese Topping: Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and 1 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan.

  • Repeat: Create two more identical layers (noodles, sauce, cheese filling, shredded cheeses, Parmesan).

  • Final Layer: For the top layer, place the last 3 noodles. Spread the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.

  5. Bake to Perfection:

  • Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

  • For an extra crispy and browned top, broil for the last 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

  6. Rest and Serve:

  • This step is crucial! Let the lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut into clean squares.

  • Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

   Pro-Tips:

  • No-Stick Noodles: Tossing the cooked, drained noodles with a tiny bit of olive oil can also prevent sticking.

  • Make-Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

  • Cream Cheese Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for the smoothest, lump-free cheese filling.