Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, cheesy, and indulgent take on the classic lasagna, often featuring a combination of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and a savory ground meat sauce. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
For the Lasagna:
• 12-15 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, depending on preference)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (and sausage, if using) over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
2. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
• In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley (if using). Set aside.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if using regular noodles):
• Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
• Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
• Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
• Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and one-third of the Parmesan cheese.
• Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
• Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
• Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve:
• Garnish with additional parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
This Million Dollar Lasagna is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion—it’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor!