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Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and decadent lasagna featuring layers of tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses, all topped with a homemade marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lasagna
  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles Can use no-boil noodles to reduce prep time.
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey For a healthier alternative, consider using turkey or chicken.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese Can use ricotta with herbs for additional flavor.
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
  1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 4 noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and then another layer of meat sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top.
Baking
  1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, let the dish sit before slicing to help the layers set. Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.