Million Dollar Lasagna

by

Few dishes are as universally loved as a well-made lasagna. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. This recipe gives you a lasagna that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making it worthy of its ‘Million-Dollar’ name. The combination of beef and sausage in the sauce adds depth, while the ricotta mixture provides a creamy contrast. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday dinner or prepping ahead for a busy week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Filling:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 12-15 lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil)
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. Brown the ground sausage and beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Pour in red wine if using.
  4. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.

Make the Ricotta Filling:

  1. In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Add a layer of noodles, then spread half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the mozzarella and another layer of meat sauce.
  4. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Lasagna:

  1. Cover the dish with foil (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
  2. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Serve:

  1. Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes:

This lasagna is packed with protein from the beef, sausage, and cheese, making it a satisfying main course. The tomato-based sauce provides vitamins and antioxidants, while the pasta gives you a comforting dose of carbohydrates. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using lean ground turkey or substituting part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. For a gluten-free option, swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles. This dish is indulgent but can be tweaked to fit different dietary needs while still delivering incredible flavor.

Sharing and Commenting is Caring:

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family! Have any personal twists on lasagna that you love? Maybe an extra spice or a different cheese blend? Leave a comment below and let us know how your version turned out. Your feedback helps us bring you even more delicious recipes!