Million Dollar Lasagna

$- 12 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup chopped fresh spinach - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When you make Million Dollar Lasagna, gather these simple ingredients first. The noodles are the base, holding everything together. Ricotta and mozzarella give a creamy texture and rich taste. Parmesan adds a sharp flavor that rounds out the dish. The egg helps bind the cheese mix. Marinara sauce brings that classic Italian flavor, while ground beef adds protein and heartiness. Spinach is a great way to sneak in some greens. Garlic and Italian seasoning enhance every bite. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning, and fresh basil for a lovely touch. - Alternatives for ricotta: You can swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. Cream cheese can also work if you want a richer flavor. - Vegan options: For a vegan version, use tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice. Vegan cheese can replace the mozzarella and Parmesan. - Gluten-free choices for noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles made from rice or corn. They cook well and hold up nicely in the layers. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful lasagna. Whether you have dietary needs or just want to try something new, these options keep the dish tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Cooking lasagna noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the noodles and cook until they’re al dente. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and lay them flat to cool. 2. Mixing the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Add 1 egg, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. 3. Preparing the meat sauce: In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Let this mix simmer for about 5 minutes. - Proper layering techniques for a perfect bake: Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. This forms a solid base for your layers. - Order of ingredients for best results: Next, spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Then, add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce on top. - Covering and baking times: Cover the dish with aluminum foil. To avoid sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray. Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. - Tips for a golden cheese crust: After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will give your lasagna a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil for a nice touch. To make your Million Dollar Lasagna stand out, choose fresh herbs. I suggest using: - Basil - Oregano - Thyme These herbs add depth to the sauce. Fresh herbs bring a bright taste. Also, use high-quality ingredients. Good marinara sauce makes a big difference. The same goes for cheeses. Fresh ricotta and real Parmesan will shine in your dish. Preventing soggy layers is key. Make sure to cook the noodles just right. They should be al dente, not overcooked. Lay them flat and let them cool before layering. For even cooking, ensure cheese melts well. Spread the layers evenly. Don’t pile too much filling in one spot. This helps the cheese brown nicely on top. Pair your lasagna with fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up sauce. For drinks, try a nice red wine. Chianti or Merlot complements the dish. To make it look fancy, slice the lasagna into squares. Serve on plates, drizzle with extra marinara, and add fresh basil. This gives it that restaurant-quality feel. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Layering Technique: Ensure even distribution of ingredients by pressing down each layer gently with a spatula. Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing; this helps it hold its shape for cleaner servings. Customize Your Meat: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can make your Million Dollar Lasagna even more special. Try adding truffles or lobster for a touch of luxury. These gourmet ingredients elevate the dish and bring bold flavors. For meats, consider using sausage or turkey instead of ground beef. Different cheeses like goat cheese or fontina also add unique tastes. Want to make a vegetarian version? Replace the meat with more veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. You can also add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant for freshness. They add color and nutrients, making your lasagna tasty and healthy. If you're looking for a lighter dish, there are easy swaps. Use whole wheat noodles for extra fiber. You can also reduce cheese and use low-fat options. Replace beef with ground turkey or lentils for fewer calories. Adding more vegetables can help you enjoy a delicious meal without guilt. To keep your Million Dollar Lasagna fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the lasagna cool before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture build-up. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When reheating, avoid drying out the lasagna. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in a baking dish, covered with foil. This helps keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water and cover it. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. To freeze your lasagna, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze lasagna for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before, and enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time. Prepare it the day before, and store it in the fridge. This gives the flavors a chance to blend. When you're ready to bake, cover it with foil. Bake at 375°F for about 40-45 minutes. Check to ensure it's hot all the way through before serving. You can pair Million Dollar Lasagna with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for that crunchy, buttery touch - A fresh green salad with a light dressing - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor and color - Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy boost Yes, you can easily swap the meat. Here are some good choices: - Use ground turkey for a leaner option - Try cooked lentils for a plant-based meal - Crumbled tofu works well for a vegetarian swap - You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture without meat Feel free to get creative with your substitutions. Each choice adds a unique flavor to your lasagna! This lasagna recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for any meal. We covered all ingredients, from noodles to cheese, and how to layer them well. You learned tips to avoid soggy layers and ways to enhance flavor. We discussed variations, so there’s an option for everyone. Don’t forget about storage and reheating to keep your leftovers tasty. With these steps, you can create a great lasagna that is sure to impress. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with your loved ones!$

A delicious and hearty lasagna layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 noodles lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out flat on a clean surface.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture (about ⅓), then add another layer of meat sauce over the top. Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce) two more times until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the last layer.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing.

Notes

Slice the lasagna into squares and serve on individual plates. Drizzle with a little extra marinara sauce and top with additional basil for a pop of color.

Keyword Italian, lasagna, pasta