Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: The Ultimate Layered Baked Pasta

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2. 2

   Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces, and sear until deep brown and crispy.

3. 3

   Lower the heat, add diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.

4. 4

   Stir in tomato paste and cook for two minutes until it darkens, then pour in crushed tomatoes.

5. 5

   Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes until it reduces into a thick, chunky consistency.

6. 6

   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.

7. 7

   Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and stir until uniform and thick.

8. 8

   Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.

9. 9

   Drop in lasagna noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions, ensuring they are al dente.

10. 10

    Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a rectangular ceramic baking dish.

11. 11

    Lay down the first layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them.

12. 12

    Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles using an offset spatula.

13. 13

    Top with a generous ladle of meat sauce and a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

14. 14

    Repeat layering this process until the dish is full.

15. 15

    For the final layer, arrange the remaining noodles and add the last of the meat sauce.

16. 16

    Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

17. 17

    Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.

18. 18

    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

19. 19

    Broil for the final 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.

20. 20

    Let the lasagna rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

21. 21

    Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and red pepper flakes over the top before serving.