Description
Layered with rich ricotta and savory beef, Million Dollar Lasagna delivers restaurant-quality comfort straight to home dinner tables. Cheese-laden noodles and hearty meat sauce create an irresistible Italian-American classic you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
Instructions
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, then carefully drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Pour marinara sauce into the beef, stirring to create a rich, cohesive meat sauce.
- Whisk ricotta cheese, sour cream, and egg in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Create the first lasagna layer: arrange noodles to cover the base, spread meat sauce evenly, dollop ricotta mixture across the surface, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering process, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
- For the final layer, generously top with mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a rich, golden-brown top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Prevent soggy lasagna by patting cooked noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of dried oregano to the meat sauce.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or zucchini slices.
- Lighten the dish by using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg