Name: Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 lasagna noodles; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is comfort food at its absolute finest, look no further than the Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! This lasagna takes everything you love about Italian classics and elevates it with layers of creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and melting cheese that come together in perfect harmony. The moment you dig your fork into this layered masterpiece, you’ll taste the richness of every ingredient mingling beautifully, creating a satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building those luscious layers, from the savory meat sauce to the luscious cheeses that bring smooth textures and irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this masterpiece:

Ground beef (1 pound): Adds rich, meaty depth and hearty texture for the sauce.
Italian sausage (1 pound): Brings extra seasoning and juiciness to the meat mixture.
Onion, chopped (1 cup): Provides natural sweetness and aromatic base.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses savory warmth into the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Forms the robust and tangy heart of the sauce.
Tomato paste (12 ounces): Enhances the tomato flavor with concentrated richness.
Dried basil (2 teaspoons): Offers fragrant herbal notes.
Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): Adds earthy, slightly bitter undertones.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and brings out all the flavors.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat.
Lasagna noodles (12): Create the structure of the dish, holding all layers together.
Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Provides that creamy, dreamy texture between layers.
Egg (1 large): Binds the ricotta to keep it smooth and firm.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (3 cups): Melts perfectly with a gooey stretchiness.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): Sprinkles sharp, nutty flavor.
Fresh basil or parsley (to taste): Optional garnish to brighten the finished dish.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight!

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once your lasagna is assembled. Then, boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them well and set them aside carefully—these sheets will become the pillars for those heavenly layers.

Step 2: Brown the Meats and Build the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the meat is beautifully browned and the onions turn translucent, then drain any excess fat for a leaner sauce. Next, stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 15 minutes so all the flavors have time to meld into a rich, aromatic sauce base.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

While your sauce simmers, mix the ricotta cheese with one large egg and half of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl. This blend will bring the perfect creamy texture and a bit of firmness to the layers, helping those luscious cheeses stay in place as the lasagna bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Grab a baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce along the bottom. Lay 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-fourth of the meat sauce and then one-third of the shredded mozzarella. This layering strategy brings balance and ensures every bite captures all the flavors and textures.

Step 5: Repeat and Finish the Topping

Repeat these layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella. For the final top layer, place the last noodles, cover them with the remaining meat sauce, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top. This final cheesy layer will melt into a beautiful bubbly, golden crust in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil—you’ll want to spray the foil lightly with cooking spray first so the cheese doesn’t stick. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until you see that irresistible bubbly and golden top. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you want to add a touch of freshness.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight!

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley really brightens the entire dish, adding a fresh, herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the creamy and meaty layers. If you want a little extra, a drizzle of quality olive oil before serving can add an additional silky touch.

Side Dishes

This lasagna is a rich and filling main star, so complement it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted vegetables to balance out the hearty richness. A crusty Italian bread also pairs wonderfully to scoop up every last bite of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve the Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also layer it in clear glass dishes or lasagna cups to showcase the glorious layers. Adding a colorful garnish of edible flowers or microgreens takes it to an elegant new level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lasagna is a real treat! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. As the flavors meld overnight, it often tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To make future meals easy, consider freezing individual portions.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely to maintain moisture without drying out that luscious cheese.

FAQs

Can I use different meats for the Million Dollar Lasagna?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef and Italian sausage, you can substitute or add ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based alternatives to suit your preferences.

Is there a vegetarian version of this lasagna?

Yes! Replace the meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and eggplant to keep that hearty feel. Use a rich tomato sauce to maintain the depth of flavor.

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish a day before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors more time to develop while saving time on busy days.

What’s the best type of ricotta cheese to use?

Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture and mild flavor, but if you prefer a lighter option, part-skim works well too. Avoid grainy or watery ricotta for best results.

How can I make sure the lasagna noodles don’t stick?

Cook noodles just until al dente and rinse them under cold water after draining to remove excess starch. Drizzle or brush a little olive oil on them before layering to keep them separate and prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! that makes every bite so comforting and indulgent. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings joy, warmth, and pure deliciousness to the table. I truly encourage you to dive in, layer up, and let this lasagna become one of your most beloved dishes.

Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy Italian layered casserole featuring savory ground beef and Italian sausage, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This classic comfort food is baked to golden perfection, delivering hearty flavors and a satisfying texture with every bite.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your lasagna is assembled.
Cook Noodles: In a large pot, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
Simmer Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce evenly.
Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Follow with one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce and one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella. This builds rich, distinct layers in the lasagna.
Top Layer: For the final layer, add the remaining noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce over them, then evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

To prevent foil from sticking to the cheese, spray it with cooking spray before covering the dish.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Lasagna noodles can be replaced with no-boil noodles for a quicker assembly.
Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian