Million Dollar Lasagna is a delicious and hearty dish that families love. It combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese to create a comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
Why Make This Recipe
This lasagna is packed with flavor and easy to make. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for days. With its cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and a third of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers, ending with noodles and remaining meat sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Slice the lasagna into squares and serve hot. You can pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also tastes great on its own, making it a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner.
How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, cover the dish tightly and it can last up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy lasagna.
- For extra flavor, you can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the meat sauce.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
Variation
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use a variety of cheeses to add more flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles work great in this recipe. Just follow the package directions for layering.
3. What can I do if my lasagna gets too dry?
If you find your lasagna is getting dry, try covering it with foil while baking. Keep an eye on the baking time and add a bit of extra marinara sauce before serving if needed.