Quick & Cheesy Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe – Family Favorite

In our kitchen, this million dollar lasagna recipe promises pure culinary magic that melts hearts instantly.

Layers of rich ingredients create a symphony of flavors waiting to charm you.

Cheesy goodness nestles between delicate pasta sheets, whispering comfort and warmth.

Generations of Italian cooking wisdom shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Aromatic herbs dance alongside creamy ricotta, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Passionate home cooks recognize this isn’t just another pasta dish, it’s an experience.

Let’s uncover the secret that makes every forkful an unforgettable celebration of taste.

Flavorful Variations To Try With Million Dollar Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers for a nutrient-rich version.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Swap traditional wheat lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or use thinly sliced zucchini as noodle replacements. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Lasagna: Use zucchini or eggplant slices instead of pasta noodles. Increase protein content by adding more ground meat and using full-fat cheeses. Reduce tomato sauce quantity to lower carbohydrate count.

Pairing Ideas That Go Well With Million Dollar Lasagna

Select a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meat sauce and layered flavors of the lasagna.

Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the lasagna’s heaviness and provide a light, tangy contrast.

Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic butter and herbs to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the lasagna to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch to each bite.

Storage Advice To Keep Million Dollar Lasagna Fresh

• Seal cooled lasagna in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling?

No, you can use no-boil or oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time. If using traditional noodles, briefly cook them before layering to ensure they’re not too firm.

• How can I make this lasagna lighter or healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese options, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce to increase nutrition and reduce calories.

Million Dollar Lasagna Impresses Every Guest

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: This million-dollar lasagna delivers ultimate satisfaction with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles that guarantee a crowd-pleasing meal every single time.
• Master Complex Flavors Simply: Despite looking impressive, the recipe breaks down complex cooking steps into manageable stages, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality dish without overwhelming techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Adaptable ingredients mean you can swap ground beef for turkey, adjust cheese quantities, or add extra herbs, making this recipe a flexible foundation for personal kitchen creativity.
• Feed a Hungry Crowd Effortlessly: One baking dish produces multiple servings, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, ensuring everyone gets a hearty, delicious portion without extensive individual plating.

Ingredients To Assemble Million Dollar Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the meat sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Provides additional depth and spiciness to the meat mixture.
• Onion: Adds a savory base and aromatic foundation to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and intense flavor to the meat sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth base for the cheese mixture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the cheese layer together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic melty and stretchy texture to the lasagna.

• Marinara Sauce, Crushed Tomatoes: Form the base of the meat sauce with a classic tomato flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provide structure.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and balance to the overall flavor profile.
• Sugar: Optional ingredient to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh garnish and subtle herb flavor.

• Lasagna Noodles: The foundational layer that holds the lasagna together.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal from the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Step-By-Step Million Dollar Lasagna Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the meat is completely browned and the onions are soft.

Drain away any excess grease from the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until the aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar (optional)

Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Softened cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Chopped parsley

Blend until smooth and creamy. Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Set Up the Oven

Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

Start with a thin spread of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange cooked lasagna noodles slightly overlapping.

• Cheese mixture
• Meat sauce
• Shredded mozzarella

Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used. Top with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor.

Tips To Perfect Million Dollar Lasagna Every Time

• Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a soggy lasagna base and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Use full-fat ricotta and cream cheese for maximum creaminess and a luxurious texture that holds the layers together perfectly.
• Slightly overlap noodles and spread each layer evenly to create a consistent, stable lasagna structure that cuts cleanly.
• Cover with foil initially to prevent burning, then uncover to allow cheese to develop a golden, crispy top without drying out the dish.
• Allow lasagna to sit 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps layers solidify and makes cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Million dollar lasagna brings comfort and luxury to classic Italian cuisine. Layers of rich beef, creamy cheeses, and perfectly seasoned sauce promise a memorable meal that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cheese Mixture Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (450g) ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Pasta and Additional Cheese:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 2 cups (200g) additional shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

• Extra parsley

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef, Italian sausage, and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining excess fat.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, then blend in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and optional sugar.
3. Simmer meat sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically to develop rich flavors.
4. Create a creamy cheese mixture by blending ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, egg, and parsley until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Fold in one cup of shredded mozzarella into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
7. Establish a foundational layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Arrange cooked lasagna noodles slightly overlapping, creating a stable base for subsequent layers.
9. Spread a generous portion of cheese mixture over noodles, followed by a substantial layer of meat sauce.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella between each layer, building complexity and richness.
11. Repeat layering process: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella until ingredients are exhausted.
12. Ensure the final layer features meat sauce topped with a generous coating of mozzarella.
13. Shield lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F.
14. Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
15. Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes, enabling layers to stabilize and flavors to meld.
16. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, revealing delectable layers.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the overall fat content while maintaining a rich, meaty flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding fontina or gouda for a more complex and creamy texture.
• Consider using no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the preparation process and save time in the kitchen.
• Freeze individual portions for easy meal prep, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg