Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that will delight your family and friends. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s a dish that everyone will love!
Why make this recipe
You should make Million Dollar Lasagna because it’s a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to prepare and has flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s great for busy weekends or when you want to impress guests. I’ve made this dish for my family several times, and it always brings smiles and happy bellies!
How to make Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients :
1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional), 1 small onion, chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions), 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions :
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Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt until smooth.
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Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with noodles on top. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top layer. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake the Lasagna: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna hot, right out of the oven! You can pair it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add some extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like!
How to store Million Dollar Lasagna
To store leftover lasagna, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can last for about 3-5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Tips to make Million Dollar Lasagna
- Use full-fat cheese for the creaminess you want!
- Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
- Feel free to make it ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day!
Variation (if any)
You can switch up the meat by using ground turkey or even skipping the meat for a vegetarian version. Add some spinach or zucchini for extra veggies!
FAQs
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Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. -
How can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free lasagna noodles instead.
Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Lasagna!