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Close up of a thick slice of lasagna with bright white ricotta, wavy noodles, and golden brown caramelized mozzarella spots.
FL Recipes

The Ultimate Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Achieve visually stunning, distinct layers with this Million Dollar Lasagna. Featuring a rich dark red meat sauce, bright white speckled ricotta, and a beautifully blistered mozzarella top, it's the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Million Dollar Lasagna Ingredients
  • 12 oz wavy lasagna noodles Boiled until al dente.
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 ratio preferred.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion Finely diced.
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 4 cups low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded.
  • 2 tbsp fresh green parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch Ceramic Baking Dish Essential for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Large Heavy-Bottomed Skillet For simmering the rich meat sauce.
  • 1 Cheese Grater To freshly shred mozzarella for optimal blistering.

Method
 

Preparation and Baking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small chunks. Sear for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until translucent. Add tomato paste and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until thick and dark red.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parmesan, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix until very thick and visibly speckled with green herbs.
  4. Boil wavy lasagna noodles in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions so they remain al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Smear a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13 dish. Layer: wavy noodles, one-third meat sauce, half ricotta mixture, and a handful of mozzarella. Repeat once. Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.
  6. Cover tightly with foil (tented slightly to avoid touching the sauce) and bake for 35 minutes.
  7. Remove foil, blanket with remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown caramelized spots form.
  8. Let the lasagna rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure distinct layers. Garnish with freshly chopped green parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalProtein: 30gFat: 24gFiber: 3g

Notes

Tip 1: Shred your own mozzarella cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent those beautiful blistered spots.
Tip 2: Do not skip the 20-minute resting period! Cutting too soon will cause the hot ricotta and meat sauce layers to slide.
Keyword best lasagna recipe,layered meat lasagna,Million Dollar Lasagna

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