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Million Dollar Lasagna

A comforting, cheese-forward lasagna that combines creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, salty Parmesan, and rich meat sauce, perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 490
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lasagna Ingredients
  • 9 pieces lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture preferred)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or chopped fresh basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay them flat so they don’t stick.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until no pink remains. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, chopped parsley, and a little salt and pepper until smooth.
  5. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  6. Place three noodles side-by-side over the sauce.
  7. Spoon half the ricotta mixture over the noodles and spread gently.
  8. Evenly distribute half the meat mixture over the ricotta.
  9. Sprinkle about 2/3 cup mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan on top.
  10. Repeat: three noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining meat, and another layer of cheeses.
  11. Finish with the last three noodles, the remaining sauce spread on top, then the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  12. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  13. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and light golden.
  14. Let the lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For no-boil noodles, add a few extra minutes baking covered to soften fully. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based cheeses and substitute lentils or mushrooms for meat.