Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Introduction

This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers a deliciously hearty meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, removed from casings)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce; simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, basil, and parsley. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining lasagna noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
5. Step 5: Let the lasagna stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
• Try using a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage for balanced heat.
• Oven-ready noodles save time, but regular noodles can be used if boiled first.
• Swap fresh herbs for dried if preferred, adjusting quantities accordingly.
• Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Lasagna can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Do I have to use Italian sausage?

Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can substitute all ground beef or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food combining layers of tender oven-ready lasagna noodles, rich ricotta cheese mixture, hearty meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this classic Italian-American dish delivers bold flavors with a luscious texture and cheesy finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, removed from casings)
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Other

• 1 lb lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, dried oregano, dried basil, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth cheese mixture.
3. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 to 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Finish by topping with the remaining lasagna noodles and meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the lasagna is heated through.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to stand for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Using oven-ready lasagna noodles simplifies the process by eliminating the need to boil noodles before assembling.
• For a spicier flavor, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Letting the lasagna rest after baking improves texture and makes serving easier.
• This dish can be made a day ahead; cover and refrigerate before baking, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: lasagna, Italian comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy lasagna, meat sauce lasagna, ricotta, Italian sausage, family dinner