Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Lasagna! This decadent dish is packed with layers of rich, savory flavors that will leave you craving more. With a creamy ricotta cheese filling, hearty meat sauce, and a generous topping of gooey mozzarella, every bite is a taste of heaven. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy night in, this lasagna is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your home. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cheeses, meat sauce, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Hearty and Satisfying: A filling meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have this lasagna ready to bake in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to adapt the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you want to add veggies or switch up the protein.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready for a delicious meal.

Ingredients List

For the Meat Sauce:

✔️ 🔹 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
✔️ 🔹 1 small onion, chopped
✔️ 🔹 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔️ 🔹 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
✔️ 🔹 2 tablespoons tomato paste
✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon dried oregano
✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon dried basil
✔️ 🔹 Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

✔️ 🔹 15 ounces ricotta cheese
✔️ 🔹 1 large egg
✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔️ 🔹 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
✔️ 🔹 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For Assembly:

✔️ 🔹 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked or cooked according to package instructions)
✔️ 🔹 Additional mozzarella cheese for topping (optional)

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Make the Cheese Mixture

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined. If desired, stir in fresh parsley for added flavor.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

Layer 1: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 2: Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Layer 3: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
Layer 4: Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with a final layer of noodles.
Top It Off: Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of noodles and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Cool and Serve

Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the lasagna sit overnight in the refrigerator before baking. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian lasagna.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Baked lasagna can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles! Just ensure there’s enough sauce to cook them properly while baking.

How can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Lasagna?
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich flavors and comforting textures for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it out today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️🧀✨

Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends! It’s a true comfort food classic! 🍝✨❤️

Instructions

Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix Ricotta: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
Layer Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, then spread half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the meat mixture, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles and remaining marinara sauce on top.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the last layer.
Bake: 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.
Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Lasagna! 🍽️❤️

Author: Sara

Mouthwatering Million Dollar Lasagna – Best Rich and Cheesy Dinner Recipe!