Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty Italian-American classic featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta and cottage cheeses topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Noodles
- 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 aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Add the Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a smooth and creamy cheese filling.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers (meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and topping with mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Let Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to set. Slice into portions, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- For easier handling, cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming overly soft during baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes while simmering the meat sauce.
- Cover the lasagna during the first 30 minutes of baking to keep it moist and remove the cover at the end to brown the cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
