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Side view of Million Dollar Italian Lasagna slice showing meticulous layers of wavy noodles, ricotta, and beef sauce.

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna with a Charred Golden-Brown Cheese Crust

An indulgent Million Dollar Italian Lasagna featuring meticulous layers of wavy noodles, creamy ricotta, and a chunky beef bolognese, finished with a signature bubbly, charred mozzarella crust for ultimate flavor and texture.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Bolognese
  • 2 lbs Ground Beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 56 oz Crushed Tomatoes 2 cans
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
Cheese & Pasta
  • 15 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 large Egg lightly beaten
  • 3.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella & Parmesan Mix divided
  • 12 count Wavy Lasagna Noodles boiled al dente
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano extra pinch for top

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Deep-Dish Baking Pan Ensure it is at least 3 inches deep.
  • 1 Large Heavy Skillet For browning beef and simmering sauce.
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For the ricotta mixture.

Instructions
 

Prepare Sauce
  1. Brown ground beef in olive oil until a deep crust forms. Add onions and garlic until translucent.
  2. Stir in tomatoes, paste, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes until thick and deep red.
Assembly
  1. Combine ricotta, egg, and half the parmesan into a creamy filling.
  2. Layer wavy noodles, ricotta mixture, beef sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat three times.
  3. Bake covered at 375F for 25 mins. Uncover and broil until the top is bubbly and charred.

Notes

Allow the lasagna to rest for 20 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, square layers.
Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent the cheese crust from becoming greasy.
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