Name: Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 cup onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can); 12 ounces tomato paste (2 cans, 6 oz each); 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 noodles lasagna; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, to taste

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Introduction

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy layered delight that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Filled with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, this comforting dish is sure to impress your guests.

A thick, square slice of lasagna with five visible layers is placed on a white plate. The bottom layer is pasta sheets with melted cheese and sauce seeping out, followed by a thick layer of rich meat sauce. Above that is a creamy white cheese layer, then another meat sauce layer mixed with cheese, and finally a top layer covered in golden-brown melted cheese with small green herb garnish sprinkled on the surface and plate. The lasagna looks cheesy, moist, and hearty, with a slightly browned crust on top. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
12 ounces tomato paste (2 cans, 6 oz each)
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 noodles lasagna
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, to taste (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Lay 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Step 7: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Repeat the layering two more times: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella. For the final layer, top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
Step 9: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. To prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray first. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time—just adjust baking time accordingly.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meat sauce.
Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps it set, preventing it from falling apart.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover a portion with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. This helps keep the layers moist and cheesy.

How to Serve

A thick, square piece of lasagna sits on a white plate with small bits of green herb sprinkled around it. The lasagna has several layers: the top layer is browned melted cheese with a bubbly, slightly crispy texture and green herbs on top; beneath it is a creamy white sauce layer followed by a thick, rich brown meat sauce layer mixed with cheese, and another white sauce layer at the bottom. The pasta sheets are thin, light yellow, and slightly curled at the edges, with some melted cheese and sauce oozing out between layers. The background is softly blurred with a warm indoor setting, and the plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?

Absolutely. Freeze the lasagna before baking by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.