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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
