Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe that will make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (16 ounces) lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until browned
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, basil, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions
- Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving
Popular Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I use fresh basil instead of dried basil?
- Can I freeze this lasagna?
- Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a leaner option.
Yes, you can use fresh basil in place of dried basil. Just use more as fresh herbs are less potent than dried.
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before baking or after baking. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and foil.
Yes, you can add diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Yes, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta cheese if you prefer the taste or texture.
Helpful Tips:
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or thinly sliced zucchini between the noodles for added nutrients
- Sprinkle some fresh basil or chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of freshness
- Use a mix of different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a more complex flavor profile
- Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together
- Experiment with adding different herbs and spices to the meat sauce for a personalized touch
Expert Secrets:
- Don’t overcook the noodles before assembling the lasagna as they will continue to cook in the oven
- Make sure to evenly spread the layers of meat sauce and cheese to ensure each bite is flavorful
- Cover the lasagna with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning
- For a crispier top, broil the lasagna for a few minutes at the end of baking
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in the fridge to prevent sogginess