4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach
A rich and comforting 4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach recipe that layers savory ground beef, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fontina cheeses. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy meals, combining creamy textures with hearty flavors and vibrant greens for a delicious and satisfying experience.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
Others
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried basil and oregano blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Beef and Spinach Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, mixing the meat and greens well.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and shredded fontina cheeses. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended to form a creamy cheese mixture for layering.
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: If using regular noodles, boil them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking. No-boil noodles can be used as is.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Grease a baking dish lightly and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles over the sauce, add a portion of the beef and spinach mixture, then spoon dollops of the cheese filling. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to set properly.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook noodles to avoid mushy layers after baking.
- Allow the lasagna to rest after baking for clean, neat slices.
- Choose high-quality cheeses for enhanced creaminess and richness.
- Prepare extra tomato sauce to keep the layers moist and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: 4 cheese lasagna, beef lasagna, spinach lasagna, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food, Italian recipe, family dinner, easy lasagna recipe