Lasagna is one of those timeless dishes that brings a sense of comfort and indulgence to any table. Whether it’s for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration, lasagna never fails to impress. Among the many varieties of this classic, Million Dollar Lasagna stands out due to its luxurious combination of rich ingredients and multiple layers that create a mouthwatering experience. This recipe includes a hearty meat sauce, a creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked noodles, all baked together to create the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe, including ingredients, preparation, tips, and even some variations to customize the lasagna to suit your preferences. From the indulgent meat sauce to the creamy cheese filling, we’ve got everything covered to make your lasagna experience truly unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (you can use either mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24 oz) jars of marinara or spaghetti sauce (choose a good quality, flavorful sauce for the best results)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim, depending on your preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for a creamy texture)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds richness and tang)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for gooey, melty goodness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty, salty flavor)
- 1 large egg (helps bind the cheese mixture together)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
For Assembly:
- 12–15 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready noodles will both work)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (additional for layering)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Construction
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up as they cook. Stir occasionally to ensure the meat cooks evenly and gets nicely browned. Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the onions soften and become translucent.
Now, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Next, pour in the marinara sauce from the two jars. Stir in basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re adding spice). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time lets the flavors meld and deepens the taste of the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
While the meat sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the cheese filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Use a spoon or electric mixer to blend these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the egg. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal touch.
Mix all the ingredients until fully incorporated, creating a thick and smooth cheese mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Now that the meat sauce and cheese mixture are ready, it’s time to assemble the lasagna. Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
Place 3–4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Make sure the noodles are evenly spaced, and be careful not to overlap them. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, making sure it covers them completely. Then, layer on 1/3 of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all the noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce have been used up. The final layer should consist of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce.
To finish, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. This cheesy topping will melt and bubble beautifully as the lasagna bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with foil. Be sure to spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese. Bake the lasagna for about 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the lasagna set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Variations
While Million Dollar Lasagna is already packed with flavor, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you might want to try:
Vegetarian Lasagna
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, simply replace the meat with sautéed vegetables. You can use a combination of zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, eggplant, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetable filling. This is a great way to make the dish lighter while still keeping it flavorful and satisfying.
Low-Carb Lasagna
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, try using thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of traditional lasagna noodles. These vegetable slices create layers that mimic the texture of noodles without the carbs. You can also make the sauce and cheese filling as usual, but opt for a low-carb marinara sauce.
Spicy Lasagna
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the meat sauce. This will give your lasagna a nice spicy kick, complementing the richness of the cheese and meat.
Different Cheeses
While ricotta is traditional in lasagna, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option, or add extra cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for a more complex, savory flavor. Blending various cheeses gives the lasagna a richer and more nuanced taste.
White Sauce Lasagna
For a different take on lasagna, consider using béchamel sauce instead of marinara sauce. A creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk can create a velvety texture and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese filling. This variation works especially well for a more delicate, non-tomato-based lasagna.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Make-Ahead: One of the great things about lasagna is that it can be assembled in advance. You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When baking, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the lasagna is cold from the fridge.
- Freezing: If you’re preparing the lasagna in bulk, you can freeze it for future meals. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the normal baking instructions.
- Noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not oven-ready), slightly undercook them. Since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, this prevents them from becoming mushy or overcooked. If you prefer an even easier method, opt for oven-ready noodles, which don’t need pre-cooking.
- Add Depth: For an added layer of flavor, you can include a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar in the meat sauce while it simmers. This deepens the taste and adds a rich, savory complexity to the sauce.
- Even Layers: For a clean and uniform lasagna, be sure to spread the cheese mixture and meat sauce evenly in each layer. This ensures that each slice has a good balance of noodles, cheese, and sauce.
- Resting: Let the lasagna rest before serving. This helps it set, so when you cut into it, the layers stay intact. Otherwise, the lasagna might fall apart and become a messy serving.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is truly a showstopper—a dish that combines the flavors of tender meat, rich cheese, and savory marinara in each delicious layer. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a potluck, this lasagna will definitely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. By experimenting with different variations and following the tips provided, you can make this classic dish uniquely your own. So gather your ingredients, prepare the layers, and get ready to enjoy the best lasagna you’ve ever tasted!
