Million Dollar Lasagna

why make this recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna is a comforting dish that many people love. It’s hearty and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. This lasagna stands out because of its rich layers of cheese and meat, combined with a delicious marinara sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this recipe will satisfy your cravings.

how to make Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
7. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/3 of the meat mixture.
8. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

how to serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Serve Million Dollar Lasagna hot, straight from the oven. You can pair it with a green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

how to store Million Dollar Lasagna

To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 to 5 days. If you have a large portion, you can also freeze it. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven until heated through.

tips to make Million Dollar Lasagna

• Make sure to cook the meat until it is well browned for a richer flavor.
• You can prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
• Use fresh herbs if you have them; they can enhance the flavor of your sauce.

variation

You can switch up the meats by using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, replace the meats with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You may also try different cheese combinations, or add some spinach and herbs for extra nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles work great for this recipe. Just layer them as directed without pre-cooking.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that all your ingredients, like marinara sauce, are gluten-free.

3. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves about 8 people, depending on portion sizes.

Million Dollar Lasagna

A hearty and comforting lasagna packed with layers of cheese, meat, and marinara, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 9 pieces lasagna noodles Regular or no-boil noodles can be used.
• 1 pound ground beef Brown well for richer flavor.
• 1 pound Italian sausage Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Reserve some for topping.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Reserve for topping.
• 1 large egg Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• 4 cups marinara sauce Can use store-bought or homemade.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Assembly

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/3 of the meat mixture.
4. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Baking

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve hot, paired with a green salad and garlic bread. For storage, cool completely and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.