Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, cheesy, and hearty dish that elevates traditional lasagna to a whole new level. With layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a savory meat sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress a crowd. Its rich flavor and irresistible texture truly make it worth a million bucks!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Filling
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Assembly
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in parsley if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a layer of the cheese filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese filling, meat sauce) two more times, ending with a layer of noodles and a generous spread of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Perfect Noodles: Avoid overcooking the noodles; cook them until just al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley to the meat sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some shredded provolone or gouda cheese for an even richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Million Dollar Lasagna with:
- A fresh Caesar salad or garden salad
- Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks
- A side of roasted vegetables
Million Dollar Lasagna is comfort food at its finest, with every layer delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s truly worth a million!
