Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet Italian restaurant! Our Easy Creamy Million Dollar Lasagna isn't just another pasta dish—it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that promises to make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked noodles, rich ground beef, and a trio of decadent cheeses melting together in a symphony of flavor that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This isn't just a recipe; it's a ticket to becoming the ultimate home chef and creating a meal that feels like a million-dollar experience without breaking the bank!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagna cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the 9 lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb of ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 2 cups of marinara sauce with half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup). This will create a delicious cheesy marinara sauce for layering.
- Spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next, add half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, followed by a third of the marinara sauce mixture. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: add another 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining ground beef mixture, another third of the marinara sauce mixture, and another 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese.
- For the final layer, place the last 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining marinara sauce mixture over the noodles, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it does not touch the cheese. This prevents sticking and helps cook the lasagna evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your Easy Creamy Million Dollar Lasagna!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your cheese and marinara sauce can make a huge difference in the final taste.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Al dente is key—they'll continue cooking in the oven, so remove them from boiling water just before they're fully done.
- Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- Drain excess fat: When cooking ground beef, make sure to drain the fat to prevent a greasy lasagna.
- Cover with foil: This prevents the top from burning while ensuring the inside cooks evenly.
- Room temperature ingredients: Let cheeses sit out for a bit before mixing to ensure smoother blending.
- Experiment with herbs: While the recipe calls for Italian seasoning, feel free to add fresh basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.Pro tip: This lasagna freezes beautifully! Make an extra batch and store individual portions for quick, delicious meals later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
