Introduction:
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and decadent twist on the classic lasagna.
What sets this recipe apart is the blend of savory layers filled with creamy ricotta, melted cheese, and a hearty meat sauce that’s full of flavor.
This lasagna is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or any meal where you want to impress your guests with something indulgent. With its mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures, it’s no surprise this recipe has earned the “million-dollar” name!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as per your preference)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
For the Lasagna Layers:
12-15 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (for ricotta mixture)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if using regular noodles):
Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
Sprinkle with a third of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layering with noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
Finish by topping the final layer of noodles with the remaining meat sauce and cheeses.
Bake:
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or use non-stick foil).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Description:
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, indulgent dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It combines layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan. The perfect balance of flavors and textures make each bite feel luxurious, while the generous cheese and sauce create an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The name “Million Dollar” comes from the combination of high-quality ingredients and the love and care that go into making this recipe. It’s a true comfort food that elevates the traditional lasagna to new heights.
Tips:
Make Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day for a quick dinner. It may take a bit longer to bake if it’s cold from the fridge.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the meat for a veggie or plant-based meat alternative. Adding layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini can give the lasagna a unique and delicious twist.
Add a Garlic Bread Side: Serve the lasagna with a side of garlic bread for the perfect meal combination.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to add provolone or a blend of mozzarella cheeses for an extra creamy and flavorful lasagna.
Consistency of Sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water or extra tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency. Likewise, if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.
Variations:
Spicy Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Baked Ziti Style: Use ziti or penne pasta instead of lasagna noodles for a twist on the classic.
White Sauce Lasagna: Instead of tomato-based sauce, use a creamy white béchamel sauce for a richer, more decadent dish.
Corrections:
If the lasagna appears too dry when baking, add a little more sauce between layers or drizzle extra sauce on top before covering with foil.
To avoid overcooked, rubbery noodles, make sure to not overcook them if using regular lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles are convenient, but regular noodles need to be cooked just right for perfect texture.
Enjoy!
Now that your Million Dollar Lasagna is all baked and ready, slice it up and serve! Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of wine for the perfect dinner. Enjoy the compliments from your guests as they indulge in this cheesy, savory masterpiece. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is bound to be a hit!
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need anything else.