Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a classic Italian-American layered pasta dish featuring tender lasagna noodles, a rich and savory ground beef marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this hearty recipe serves as a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 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.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked ground beef mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by spreading a layer of the meat sauce. Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, and then a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium marinara sauce and cheeses.
