Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to any table. Its layers of rich flavors and cheesy goodness make it a favorite for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers. With its blend of beef, sausage, and creamy cheeses, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

how to make Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 28 ounces marinara sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage with garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the meat mixture, and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles and remaining marinara sauce.
8. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

how to serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Serve Million Dollar Lasagna hot, straight from the oven. Cut into squares and place on plates. You can add a side salad or garlic bread to make the meal even more delightful. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top can also add a nice touch.

how to store Million Dollar Lasagna

To store leftover lasagna, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap it well in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

tips to make Million Dollar Lasagna

• Use a mix of meats for a richer flavor. You can add pork sausage or turkey if you prefer.
• Let the lasagna rest before cutting to help the layers hold together better.
• Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Always check the noodles for doneness as they can vary based on brand.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese to lighten it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when ready to serve.

2. How do I reheat leftover lasagna?
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

3. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for no-boil noodles, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, classic tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Sauce

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cheese Mixture

• 24 oz ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 tsp salt

Layering

• 12-15 lasagna noodles no-boil or regular cooked al dente
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or spoon

Method

 

Prepare Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then brown ground beef and drain any fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare Ricotta Mixture

1. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, one large egg, and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing thoroughly until well combined.

Cook Noodles

1. If not using no-boil noodles, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.

Assemble Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked noodles over the sauce, then top with half of the ricotta mixture, a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, and more meat sauce.

Continue Layers

1. Repeat the layering process with another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, more mozzarella, and meat sauce. For the final layer, place noodles, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Rest and Serve

1. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing and serving, which helps the layers set properly.

Notes

For best results, allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps the layers set and prevents it from falling apart when served.