Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight!

Layered Delights That Will Make You Drool!

Ever taken a bite of lasagna so rich and creamy that it feels like a warm hug? Imagine layers of cheesy goodness, savory meats, and bright herbs, all wrapped in a delicious embrace of tender noodles. Say hello to Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! This one-pan wonder isn’t just another lasagna in your recipe book; it’s a creamy masterpiece that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of everyone who’s had the pleasure to try it.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you consider making this creamy dream? Well, here are a few reasons!

• Easy cleanup: Who doesn’t love a meal that only dirties a few dishes? Perfect for those “I’ll cook, but I don’t want to spend all night at the sink” days!
• Family-friendly: It’s a surefire way to silence the dinner table—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
• Comfort in every bite: Seriously, every layer oozes cozy vibes. It’s like wrapping yourself in a contentment cocoon.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 12 ounces tomato paste (2 cans, 6 oz each)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 12 noodles lasagna
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s make it happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
7. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce, and one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times. For the final layer, top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spray foil with cooking spray first). Bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! (Overview)

To whip up this Million Dollar Lasagna, heat that oven, cook your noodles, and brown your beef and sausage. Toss in the tomatoes and seasonings to create a burst of flavors that will elevate this dish to the next level. Make a creamy cheese layer and start building your masterpiece. Keep layering that goodness until it’s time to pop it in the oven. Oh, and a friendly tip: don’t skip toasting the garlic! It makes all the difference in flavor.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight!

Lasagna time is the best time! Serve it straight from the oven, letting the warm, cheesy aroma waft through the air. Pair with a colorful side salad or some garlic bread for that extra crunch. Slap on a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. The bubbling cheese on top just begs for a fork to dive in, doesn’t it?

How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight!

Got leftovers? No problem! This lasagna keeps well in the fridge for about 3-5 days. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly! To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and bake until heated through. How’s that for convenience?

Tips to Make Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight!

• Make ahead: Prep it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Bake it the next day for an even easier evening!
• Add veggies: Sneak in some sautéed zucchini or spinach between the layers. Who wouldn’t want extra greens?
• Sauce it up: If you love your lasagna saucy, splash in some more crushed tomatoes for a juicier bite.

Variation

Want to switch things up? Try a vegetarian version with mushrooms and spinach instead of meat, or swap the ricotta for a dairy-free alternative. Experimenting has never tasted so good!

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! Just layer them as you would the regular noodles, and you might need to add a bit more sauce for right cooking.

Is it okay to freeze this lasagna?

Yes! Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn. It’ll stay good for up to three months!

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or even a vegan cheese blend will work great as substitutes!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Million Dollar Lasagna

A creamy, layered lasagna filled with savory meats, rich cheeses, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Sauce Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 pound Italian sausage Choose sweet or spicy according to your preference.
• 1 cup onion, chopped Yellow or white onions work best.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Toasting the garlic enhances its flavor.
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can) Can substitute with diced tomatoes for more texture.
• 12 ounces tomato paste (2 cans, 6 oz each) Adds thickness to the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper Black pepper is preferred.

Layering Ingredients

• 12 noodles lasagna Regular or no-boil noodles can be used.
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese if desired.
• 1 large egg Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Shredded fresh mozzarella is recommended.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for better flavor.
• 1 bunch Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional) Enhances presentation and flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.

Assembly

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce, and one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times.
5. For the final layer, top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spray foil with cooking spray first). Bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
4. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

You can prepare this lasagna the night before and refrigerate it before baking for an easier cooking process. Adding sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach between layers can enhance nutrition.