Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: A Comforting Classic

There’s something undeniably special about a rich, cheesy lasagna. This Million Dollar Lasagna is not your average weeknight dinner. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. I’ve made this recipe countless times, often for family gatherings or cozy evenings in with friends. Each bite feels indulgent, making it a fantastic choice for when you want to treat yourself or entertain guests.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

So, why should you add this Million Dollar Lasagna to your recipe repertoire? For starters, it combines the best of both worlds: hearty meat sauce and a creamy cheese layer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike adore, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

"I made this for my family, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s hands down the best lasagna I’ve ever cooked!" — Jane, satisfied customer

This dish is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients to create a meal that feels like a restaurant experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish they can prepare ahead of time? You can assemble it in advance and bake it just before you’re ready to eat, making it a lifesaver during busy weeks.

Step-by-Step Overview

Making Million Dollar Lasagna is easier than you might think. The process involves three main components: a flavor-packed meat sauce, a creamy cheese layer, and, of course, lasagna noodles. After preparing these layers, you’ll assemble them in a baking dish and let the oven do the magic. It’s a straightforward method that yields mouthwatering results.

What You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (your choice)
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Pasta Layer:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use no-boil noodles for convenience)

Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce!

Directions to Follow

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add Flavor: Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until smooth.

4. Layer It Up: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of the meat sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, and then the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner cuts.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To serve your Million Dollar Lasagna, consider adding a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top nicely elevates the presentation. For a wine pairing, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for future meals—just make sure to wrap tightly in foil or freezer-friendly containers. Reheat in the oven or the microwave, but it’s best to use the oven to maintain that delicious, crispy top layer.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are a few tricks to take your lasagna to the next level:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven right out of the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate the flavor of your meat sauce.
• Cheese Swap: If you prefer a little more kick, consider adding pepper jack cheese to your mix for an extra flavor burst.

Creative Twists

This recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative. Consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat sauce with roasted vegetables or lentils for a hearty, vegetarian version.
• Cheese Varieties: Switch out some mozzarella for Gouda or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeños or hot Italian sausage to the meat sauce for those who enjoy a little heat.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare and cook Million Dollar Lasagna?

The prep time is about 30 minutes, and the baking takes approximately 45 minutes—making it a bit more than an hour for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara will add an extra personal touch and can enhance the overall flavor of your lasagna.

Is it safe to freeze and reheat lasagna?

Yes, cooked lasagna can be safely frozen and reheated. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing, and always ensure it’s heated to a safe internal temperature when you reheat it.

With this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe in your arsenal, you’re ready to delight friends and family with a dish that brings everyone together—one cheesy slice at a time!

Million Dollar Lasagna

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Indulge in this rich and cheesy Million Dollar Lasagna featuring layers of savory meat sauce and creamy cheese, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
• 1 lb Italian sausage Can use mild or spicy based on preference
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz) Using homemade marinara enhances flavor
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer

• 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese Use your preferred cheese
• 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Reserve 1 cup for topping

For the Pasta Layer

• 12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained Alternatively use no-boil noodles

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until smooth.

Assembly

1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of the meat sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, and then the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to help the layers set.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

For the best results, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and bake it right from the refrigerator; just add a few minutes to the cooking time. Experiment with different cheeses or add pepper jack for extra flavor.

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