Delicious Million Dollar Lasagna with layers of cheese and rich sauce

Million Dollar Lasagna

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna is a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. It’s packed with layers of rich flavors that make it a crowd-pleaser. With its combination of meats, cheeses, and marinara sauce, this lasagna is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels like a treat without being too complicated to prepare.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions; then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  4. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. To assemble, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay down 3 lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat mixture, and a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers. End with noodles and sauce on top, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you like.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Serve Million Dollar Lasagna hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad and garlic bread. Cut into squares and let each person enjoy a generous serving. You can sprinkle more fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.

How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna

To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the lasagna. Wrap it well and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

  • Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before mixing it with the cheese and sauce.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor. Some people like adding cottage cheese or cheddar cheese to their layers.
  • You can add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.
  • If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Variation

If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with a mixture of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Just sauté the vegetables until they are tender before layering.

FAQs

1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble the lasagna, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold.

2. What can I serve with lasagna?
Garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides for lasagna.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for individual servings.