Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a hearty and creamy baked pasta dish featuring layers of savory ground beef in marinara sauce, a rich blend of ricotta and cottage cheeses, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna
- 9 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Cook the Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set them aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce with the beef mixture and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by spreading a portion of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering process, ending with a top layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
- Let Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
- For easier slicing, let the lasagna rest after baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- Boil noodles just until pliable to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Adding fresh basil inside the layers can enhance flavor.
- Covering with foil helps prevent the top cheese from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
