A decadent and indulgent lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and tender pasta, perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with different protein options
- A comforting classic that never fails to impress
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Additional parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, shredded mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Kcal: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with layers of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with zucchini or eggplant slices.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more shredded mozzarella on top for a gooey finish.
- Different Proteins: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat and avoid overcooking the noodles.
Can I freeze lasagna before baking?
Yes, assemble it fully, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen with an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, but add an extra 1/2 cup of water to the sauce to ensure they cook properly.
How long should lasagna rest before serving?
Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the layers to set for easier slicing.
Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I reheat frozen lasagna?
Bake it covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes pair well with lasagna?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement lasagna well.
Can I make this in a smaller portion?
Yes, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. With its rich layers of cheese and hearty meat sauce, it’s sure to become a household favorite.