Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna 🍝🧀

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, indulgent twist on the classic lasagna recipe. Packed with layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this dish lives up to its name by delivering maximum flavor and comfort in every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.

Let’s dive into how to make this decadent lasagna step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich & Flavorful : Layers of meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and melty mozzarella create a symphony of flavors.
2. Easy Assembly : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for preparing ahead of time and baking when ready to serve.
4. Customizable : Add veggies, switch cheeses, or use different meats to suit your taste.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : A hit at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

(Serves 8–10)

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled according to package instructions )
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference )
• 1 onion , chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara or spaghetti sauce (about 6 cups total )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–5 minutes , or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , or until fragrant.
3. Stir in 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese , 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese , Parmesan cheese , egg , dried basil , dried oregano , salt , and pepper . Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if needed.
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with ⅓ of the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese .
4. Repeat the layers: 4 more noodles , remaining ricotta mixture , ⅓ of the marinara sauce , and ⅓ cup of mozzarella cheese .
5. Add the final layer of 4 noodles , remaining marinara sauce , and remaining mozzarella cheese . Sprinkle any leftover Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes .
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Oven-Ready Noodles : Skip boiling the noodles by using no-boil lasagna noodles, but ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist while baking.
2. Add Veggies : Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
3. Spice It Up : Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a kick.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat portions in the microwave or oven.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the lasagna without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Perfect Pairings

This Million Dollar Lasagna pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad : Serve with a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables : Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 10 servings)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~30g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a show-stopping dish that’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a comforting meal, this lasagna delivers big on taste and satisfaction. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese creates a dish that’s both indulgent and unforgettable.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your baking dish, layer those noodles, and get ready to enjoy a lasagna that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.