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4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach

4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach
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4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach is a comforting and rich baked pasta dish combining hearty ground beef, a flavorful blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses, and nutrient-packed spinach layered between tender lasagna noodles. This recipe balances creamy textures, robust tomato sauce, and fresh greens to create a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Greens

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)

Other

  • 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently while preparing other components.
  2. Cook the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan over medium heat until just tender. If using frozen spinach, microwave or thaw and squeeze out excess moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper to keep it vibrant and tender.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded provolone cheeses. Add the cooked spinach and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the greens throughout the cheese blend.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and a sprinkle of the cheese blend for a golden crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Drain excess liquid from cooked spinach to avoid watery layers.
  • Season each layer of beef sauce and cheese mixture lightly with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
  • Use freshly shredded cheeses for better melting and superior taste.
  • Undercook lasagna noodles slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to help it set and retain its shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, beef lasagna, four cheese lasagna, spinach lasagna, comfort food, baked pasta, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/4-cheese-beef-lasagna-with-spinach/