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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 hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish combining savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fontina cheeses. This layered casserole offers rich, creamy textures balanced by a nutritious green boost, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, it’s a timeless comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium-fat)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup diced Fontina cheese

Other Ingredients

  • 9–12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked)
  • 24 oz crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Spinach Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, cooking and breaking it up until browned and cooked through. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, then fold in spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted and combined.
  2. Mix the Four Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and diced Fontina cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended for the lasagna layers.
  3. Assemble Your Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the beef and spinach sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a generous spread of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers: sauce, noodles, cheese, until all ingredients are used—ending with a top layer of sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese topping. Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Drain excess liquid from frozen spinach thoroughly to prevent watery layers.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to set layers for cleaner slices.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning in the beef sauce before assembling the lasagna.
  • No-boil noodles save time and absorb sauce flavors well during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, beef lasagna, spinach lasagna, four cheese lasagna, Italian comfort food, creamy lasagna, family dinner recipe

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