Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty Italian-American classic featuring layers of seasoned ground beef in marinara sauce, creamy ricotta and cottage cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering a satisfying meal with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese layers.
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. Drain the noodles and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 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. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- 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 well incorporated.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish 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 on 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 before serving for added aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the noodles during boiling, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Draining excess fat from the cooked beef helps reduce greasiness in the final dish.
- You can substitute cottage cheese with all ricotta if preferred for a creamier texture.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the cheese from burning while allowing thorough cooking.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking improves slicing and flavor melding.
