Cheese Sauce Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Whether it’s for a Sunday family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a casual weeknight meal, a hearty and cheesy lasagna is always a hit. This Cheese Sauce Lasagna combines rich and creamy cheese sauce, tender noodles, and flavorful marinara sauce for the ultimate lasagna experience. It’s the perfect comfort food that will make you want to go back for seconds (or even thirds!).

In this recipe, I’m going to guide you through each step to ensure you create a lasagna that’s indulgent, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. From the creamy cheese sauce to the perfectly baked layers, this recipe will show you how to make a lasagna that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients for Cheese Sauce Lasagna

Before you start assembling your lasagna, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make a perfectly cheesy and satisfying lasagna:

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

For the Lasagna Layers:

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 1 lb (450g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey) – optional, for a meaty version
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Cheese Sauce Lasagna Nutrition Facts Table

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a lasagna from scratch is a rewarding process that yields amazing results. Follow these steps for a rich and creamy cheese sauce lasagna that will be a hit at any dinner table!

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

The key to making this lasagna extra creamy and rich is in the cheese sauce. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour to the butter, and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will help thicken your sauce.
2. Whisk in the Milk: Slowly pour in the warmed milk while continuing to whisk to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses have completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) to taste. Stir well and remove the cheese sauce from the heat. Set it aside to cool slightly while you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, here’s how to prepare them:

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions until they’re al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
3. Set Aside: Lay the noodles out flat on a large baking sheet or surface to keep them separated while you assemble the lasagna. If you’re using no-boil noodles, simply skip this step and keep them ready for layering.

Step 3: Assembling the Lasagna Layers

Now comes the fun part—assembling your lasagna! Here’s a simple guide to layer everything properly:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking to the pan and add a bit of flavor to the bottom layers.
3. Add the First Layer of Noodles: Arrange the lasagna noodles in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce. If you’re using regular noodles, make sure they overlap slightly to cover the entire surface.

1. Layer the Cheese Sauce: Pour a generous amount of your prepared cheese sauce over the noodles. Spread it evenly to cover all of the noodles.
2. Add the Ricotta Layer: Next, add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the cheese sauce. Use about 1/4 cup of ricotta per layer. You can gently spread it out with the back of a spoon.
3. Sprinkle Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer. This will ensure you get that cheesy, gooey texture you love.
4. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process, starting with another layer of noodles, then cheese sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Continue until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of noodles and the remaining cheese sauce.
5. Top with More Cheese: For the final touch, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna. This will create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover with Foil: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during baking. Be sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese layer.
2. Bake for 25 Minutes: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This will allow the layers to heat through.
3. Remove the Foil: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. You’ll want it to be slightly crispy around the edges for added texture.
4. Rest Before Serving: Once your lasagna is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the lasagna set, making it easier to slice and serve.

If you’re a fan of bold and flavorful dishes, don’t forget to try my Santiagos Green Chili Recipe, which pairs perfectly with this creamy Cheese Sauce Lasagna for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheese Sauce Lasagna

• Use Whole Milk: For a creamier cheese sauce, opt for whole milk rather than skim or 2%. Whole milk adds richness and a smoother texture to the sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, don’t overcook them. They should still have a bit of firmness so they don’t turn mushy during baking.
• Customize the Layers: Feel free to experiment with the layers. You can add sautéed vegetables, like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated overnight. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve. This can actually improve the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together.
• For Extra Crispiness: If you love crispy cheese, broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Skip the meat and use a variety of sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Meat Lasagna: For an even heartier lasagna, add a layer of cooked ground beef or sausage between the cheese sauce layers. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Spinach and Ricotta: Mix fresh spinach into the ricotta mixture for added color and nutrition. This adds a slightly earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

Serving and Storing Tips

• Serving: Slice the lasagna into squares and serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread. It’s a filling dish, so a small serving goes a long way.
• Storing: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese Sauce Lasagna is the perfect balance of rich, creamy cheese and savory layers. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or special occasion, this lasagna will leave everyone asking for seconds. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, along with the creamy cheese sauce, makes this recipe a standout that will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!