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4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach

4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach
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Discover the rich and creamy 4 Cheese Beef Lasagna with Spinach, a comforting layered Italian dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses, and savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna offers a balanced mix of hearty flavors and vibrant greens with easy make-ahead and freezer-friendly options.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded or sliced thin

Other Ingredients

  • 9–12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef and spinach mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Mix the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and all of the provolone cheese. Mix thoroughly until creamy and evenly blended.
  3. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by half of the beef and spinach mixture. Dollop half of the cheese blend evenly over the beef mixture. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining beef-spinach mixture, remaining cheese blend. Top with a generous layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  4. Bake to perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture; it wilts nicely and adds brightness.
  • If using traditional lasagna noodles, slightly undercook them before assembling to avoid mushy layers.
  • Evenly distribute cheese and beef layers for balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking to allow layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
  • Use high-quality marinara sauce or homemade sauce to deepen the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, beef lasagna, four cheese lasagna, spinach lasagna, Italian comfort food, baked pasta, family dinner, make-ahead meal

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