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
Scale
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.
