Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty classic Italian-American dish featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta and cottage cheeses. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this baked lasagna is golden, bubbly, and flavorful, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Components
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
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, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors well.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with three cooked lasagna noodles, then spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil carefully, then continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and presentation before serving.
Notes
- For creamier texture, substitute cottage cheese with more ricotta.
- Make sure noodles are cooked al dente to avoid mushy layers.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and slice neatly.
- Use fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for added flavor enhancement.
