Million Dollar Lasagna
An indulgent and rich layered pasta dish that combines creamy ricotta, flavorful meat sauce, and melty mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef Grilled to perfection
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic kick
- 24 oz marinara sauce Rich and flavorful
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese Luxurious and creamy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ea egg For binding
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped For a fresh finish
For Assembly
- 12 ea cooked lasagna noodles Cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat and add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and parsley; mix until smooth.
Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then add 1/3 of the ricotta mixture followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
- Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor. Using fresh herbs instead of dried ones can enhance the aroma. Ensure even distribution of layers and don't skip the resting period after baking for best results.