Easy Drool Worthy 5 Cheese Lasagna

It’s hard to imagine a classic lasagna recipe without lots of luscious cheese. Three of the most common types of cheese found in traditional lasagna recipes are mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan. This recipe builds on this delicious cheesy foundation with the addition of freshly grated Asiago and shredded Gruyere. 

Tip #1: This recipe is easier to prepare if you have the meat sauce prepared ahead of time. (If you don’t have the time or inclination to do so, use your favorite prepared pasta sauce instead).  

Fortunately, the one-pot meat sauce recipe referred to below can be made in large batches that freeze beautifully for future use. For best results, pulse 4 cups of the chunky meat sauce in a food processor to get a more even consistency prior to using in this dish. 

Tip #2: The key to keeping lasagna from getting soupy is to make sure your noodles are thoroughly dried before assembling.

Prep time: 20 minutes (+ 20 minutes to rest after baking)
Cook time: 50-55 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

4 c. meat sauce 

12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions and dried thoroughly

1 24-oz. container ricotta cheese

1 egg, beaten

3 T. Italian seasoning, divided

½ c. fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

8-oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided

8-oz. Gruyere cheese, shredded, divided
¾ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided

¾ c. Asiago cheese, freshly grated, divided

Directions:

1. Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 375°F.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine and set aside.
   
3. Spray a 13 x 9” glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add enough meat sauce to cover the bottom of the pan in a thin layer and then cover with 3 lasagna noodles. Top with an even layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella and Gruyere cheese, using equal amounts of each. Finish with a thin layer of grated Parmesan and Asiago cheese, also in equal amounts.
   
4. Repeat this process three more times: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, shredded cheeses, and grated cheeses. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning across the final layer.
   
5. Loosely tent dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with some freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!