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.

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

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

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

After preparing noodles according to package instructions, arrange them in a single layer on large cookie sheets sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Gently pat noodles dry with a paper towel. Turn over and repeat. Allow to air dry until all excess moisture is gone.

5-Cheese Meaty Lasagna

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Ingredients

• 4 c. meat sauce (separate recipe included)
• 12 whole lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 24 oz. container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 T. Italian seasoning, divided
• ½ c. fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 2 t. kosher salt
• 1 t. black pepper
• 1 8 oz. package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 8 oz. package shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
¾ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ¾ c. Asiago cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large glass bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. Stir to combine. 

Spray a 13 x 9” glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add enough meat sauce to cover the bottom of the pan 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 layer of grated Parmesan and Asiago cheese, also in equal amounts. 

Repeat this process three more times: meat, noodles, ricotta mixture, shredded cheeses, and grated cheeses. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning across the final layer. 

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 allow to rest for 20 minutes before serving.