If you have ever dreamed of a lasagna that feels both indulgent and irresistibly comforting, you are in for a treat with this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe. It’s a rich and hearty dish layered with savory meat sauce, a luscious creamy cheese mixture, and perfectly cooked noodles that come together in a warm, bubbling casserole. This recipe is a celebration of classic Italian flavors with a creamy twist that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your family or guests every single time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward creating a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component here plays a crucial role, from the robust meat sauce to the creamy cheese blend and the layers of tender noodles, making sure your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe tastes unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor to the meat sauce.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Brings an extra depth of spice and authenticity.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Enhances sweetness and texture in the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and boldness.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The tomato base that ties all flavors together.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and chunkiness to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: Provides creamy richness to the filling.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Makes the cheese layer luxuriously smooth.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the filling.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: For that gooey, melty finish on top and in the layers.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles): The essential layers holding everything together.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination creates a flavorful and hearty base for the sauce that’s packed with savory goodness. Once the meat is cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until softened. Their sweetness and aroma build the foundation for the sauce’s depth.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Simmer the sauce gently on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. This slow simmer ensures your sauce will be bursting with robust Italian deliciousness.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, one large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and one cup of shredded mozzarella in a bowl. Stir everything until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds that luxurious, indulgent layer that really sets this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe apart from the ordinary.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare to Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is essential to ensure your lasagna doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Now you’re ready to layer all those delicious components.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. Follow this by layering three lasagna noodles on top. Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, then spoon a generous amount of meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese on top. This beautiful layering guarantees every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling with a golden crust. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing – this helps it set perfectly for neat, satisfying servings.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley brings a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens this luscious meal. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also elevate each serving.
Side Dishes
This rich lasagna pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is an easy and favorite choice that complements the textures and flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, bake the lasagna in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron pans. This makes for beautiful single servings and an elegant twist on the traditional casserole dish. You could also top with a sprinkle of fresh arugula after baking for a peppery bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is just as delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making for easy and tasty leftovers.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes wonderfully. To freeze, assemble in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to preserve the texture and avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel on top for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles in this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles save time and work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to have enough sauce so the noodles cook properly during baking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works well and provides a similar creamy texture with a slightly different taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the beef and sausage for vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or a combination to keep the hearty texture without meat.
Can I prepare the lasagna in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it well, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This actually helps the flavors meld even more.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?
Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and ensuring each serving holds together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you want a show-stopping dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles and requests for seconds, this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is your go-to. It’s wonderfully comforting, richly flavored, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic with a creamy, luxurious twist—you’ll be glad you did.
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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a hearty and indulgent Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and tender lasagna noodles. This recipe blends ground beef and Italian sausage with a flavorful tomato sauce, complemented by a luscious mixture of ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, baked to golden perfection for a comforting and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
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
Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 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
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, combining thoroughly.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to set and make slicing easier before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese for a lighter option, although ricotta gives a creamier texture.
- If using no-boil noodles, adjust cooking time slightly if needed as per package instructions.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps the layers hold together and enhances slicing.
- This lasagna can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, just increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
