If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of perfectly cooked noodles, a rich blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella come together in a luscious marinara sauce that’s bursting with Italian flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor and texture that make every bite feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an indispensable role in balancing flavors, adding texture, and creating that irresistible cheesy, meaty, and saucy masterpiece.
- Ground beef: The base of the meaty layer, providing robust flavor and heartiness.
- Italian sausage: Adds a spiced, savory kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- Small onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meats.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with classic Italian aromatics for that irresistible aroma.
- Lasagna noodles: The essential layered canvas; cook until al dente for the best texture.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the robust meats with a luscious layer.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Provides that dreamy, gooey melt on top and between layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enriches the ricotta mixture.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta and Parmesan together for a smooth, spreadable filling.
- Marinara sauce: The saucy glue that ties every layer together with vibrant tomato freshness.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the whole dish an authentic Italian essence.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your lasagna is ready to bake, the heat is just right to cook it evenly and develop that golden, bubbly top.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until nicely browned. This step creates those rich, savory flavors that form the backbone of your lasagna. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Remember to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy while maintaining the depth of flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses
In a bowl, blend together ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will be creamy and smooth, providing a luscious contrast to the meaty, saucy layers, and helping bind the lasagna together.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite—so they hold up nicely after baking. Once done, drain them and set aside to cool slightly, which prevents them from sticking.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Grab your baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then start layering: noodles first, half of the meat mixture, half of the cheese mixture, and then a third of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers once more, finishing off with another layer of noodles topped with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella. This layering technique ensures every bite is bursting with those signature Million Dollar Lasagna flavors.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. This two-step baking locks in moisture while creating that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once done, let your Million Dollar Lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting in. This resting time allows the layers to set so you can serve perfect, neat slices that hold their shape and flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
For a polished presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top. A light dusting of extra Parmesan adds both beauty and an extra hit of savory goodness. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with a crisp garden salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf is a must-have for sopping up leftover marinara sauce—such a satisfying complement. And for drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a hint of lemon balances every decadent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve option, great for dinner parties. Or layer it in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful, colorful layers. For a fun twist, try adding sautéed vegetables or fresh herbs between layers to surprise your guests with fresh bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy and tasty next-day meals.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results or bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing them covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. This gentle reheating keeps the cheese melty and the noodles tender, almost as good as fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?
Yes! Using no-boil noodles can save you prep time. Just make sure you add a bit more marinara sauce to keep the lasagna moist during baking, since no-boil noodles absorb more liquid as they cook.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add lentils or plant-based meat alternatives to keep that hearty texture.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire lasagna the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time since it will be cold.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano, a splash of red wine in your meat sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can really amp up the flavor profile if you like it a bit more complex.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top and edges that are sizzling slightly. The internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C) to ensure everything’s cooked through and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade lasagna that brings comfort and joy in every forkful, and this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is no exception. Its perfect balance of rich meats, creamy cheeses, and vibrant sauce makes it a memorable meal that’s worth every minute spent cooking. So gather your ingredients, give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with a new family favorite that will have you calling it your Million Dollar Lasagna for years to come.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and flavorful Italian-American classic layered dish featuring a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked between tender lasagna noodles and smothered in marinara sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook the Meats: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles on top, then half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with noodles topped with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette and garlic bread or an Italian loaf. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to balance the rich flavors.
Notes
- You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save prep time; just adjust sauce quantities to keep the layers moist.
- For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the layers.
- If you prefer firmer lasagna slices, let the dish rest longer before serving to allow layers to set well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- If baking from frozen, increase cooking time to ensure the lasagna is fully heated through.
