Why Make This Recipe
Ultimate Spinach Lasagna with 3 Cheeses is a delightful dish that brings together the creaminess of ricotta, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the gooey goodness of mozzarella. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night in. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate spinach into your diet while enjoying great flavors. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for vegetarians looking for a hearty meal.
How to Make Ultimate Spinach Lasagna
Ingredients
- 250g fresh lasagna sheets
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 480g frozen spinach, thawed and drained (yields approximately 2 cups cooked)
- 680g ricotta cheese
- 5 ounces (140g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 255g mozzarella cheese, fresh or shredded
Directions
- If using fresh mozzarella, slice it and place on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. If you are using shredded mozzarella, you can skip this step.
- Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out all excess liquid. You can quickly thaw it by immersing it in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and press dry.
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, and three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. Blend everything well and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If you are using dry lasagna sheets, cook them according to package instructions until they are al dente.
- Spread 120ml (½ cup) of marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
- On top of the sheets, add another 120ml (½ cup) of marinara sauce, one quarter of the spinach mixture, and about one-fifth of the mozzarella. Spread evenly.
- Continue layering with sheets, sauce, spinach filling, and mozzarella three more times, creating a total of four layers.
- For the last layer, place the last lasagna sheets on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over it, then add all the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, and the edges are golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
How to Serve Ultimate Spinach Lasagna
You can serve Ultimate Spinach Lasagna warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some extra herbs or cheese on top before serving.
How to Store Ultimate Spinach Lasagna
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Ultimate Spinach Lasagna
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery lasagna.
- For extra flavor, add some garlic or Italian herbs to your spinach mixture.
- You can use a mix of different cheeses according to your preference.
Variation
If you want to add more veggies, consider adding sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers between the layers. You can also swap out the spinach for kale or other leafy greens.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, using store-bought marinara sauce is perfectly fine and can save you time.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Ultimate Spinach Lasagna with 3 Cheeses
A delightful spinach lasagna featuring creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings and vegetarians.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 250g fresh lasagna sheets
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 480g frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 680g ricotta cheese
- 140g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 255g mozzarella cheese, fresh or shredded
Instructions
- If using fresh mozzarella, slice it and place on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out all excess liquid.
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, and three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. Blend everything well.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Spread 120ml (½ cup) of marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
- Add another 120ml (½ cup) of marinara sauce, one quarter of the spinach mixture, and about one-fifth of the mozzarella.
- Continue layering with sheets, sauce, spinach filling, and mozzarella three more times, creating a total of four layers.
- For the last layer, add the last lasagna sheets on top, pour the remaining marinara sauce over it, and add all the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Notes
Squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery lasagna. For extra flavor, add garlic or Italian herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg