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Million Dollar Lasagna

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Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, layered casserole that combines rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a hearty weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy, and indulgent layers that live up to the “million dollar” name.
  • Makes enough to feed a crowd, perfect for special occasions.
  • Easy to make ahead and reheat, saving you time on busy days.
  • Customizable with your favorite cheeses, meats, and seasonings.
  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep or storing leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Ground Italian sausage
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Marinara sauce
  • Lasagna noodles (uncooked or no-boil)
  • Cream cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Eggs
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and eggs until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  6. Layer uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce on top.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 45 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
  • Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Version: Substitute lasagna noodles with zucchini or eggplant slices.
  • Cheese Blend: Add provolone or fontina cheese for a more luxurious flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

Not if you’re using no-boil noodles. Otherwise, follow the package instructions for cooking.

3. Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta.

4. How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain excess grease from the meat and let the lasagna rest after baking to set the layers.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it when ready to serve.

6. What’s the best way to slice lasagna?

Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure clean slices. Use a sharp knife.

7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.

8. What type of cheese works best for the topping?

Mozzarella and Parmesan create the perfect golden, bubbly crust.

9. How do I freeze lasagna without it drying out?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to retain moisture during freezing.

10. Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles are an excellent option and cook similarly.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy layers and robust flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a slice of pure satisfaction!

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Million Dollar Lasagna

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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Description

This Million Dollar Lasagna is rich, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor. Featuring a hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for special occasions, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to al dente
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
    • Stir in the garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
    • In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna:
    • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly.
    • Spread 1/3 of the cheese filling over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce.
    • Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
  5. Bake the Lasagna:
    • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
  • Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time—just skip the boiling step.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

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