Get ready to indulge in the ultimate lasagna experience with this Million Dollar Lasagna. Layer upon layer of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta come together to create a dish that’s hearty, rich, and truly worthy of its name. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a crowd, this recipe guarantees rave reviews and satisfied smiles!
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 (or homemade)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ 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 the Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (additional for layering)
- Extra parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions :
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium heat. Drain the excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
- Mix until smooth, then fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Add a generous layer of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes to set the layers before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Pro Tips :
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh when needed.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20–30 minutes to the baking time.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty veggie version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe :
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of cream cheese elevates the classic ricotta layer to a new level of indulgence.
- Perfect for Crowds: This recipe makes enough to feed a group, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to suit dietary preferences or personal tastes.
This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines all the comfort and luxury of a classic Italian favorite with a rich, creamy twist. Whether you’re serving this for a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or simply craving something hearty and delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Buon appetito! 🍝✨
