There are some dishes that just transport you, aren't there? For me, it's this incredible Million Dollar Lasagna. I still remember the first time I tasted a lasagna so rich, so flavorful, so utterly comforting that it felt like pure gold. It wasn't at a fancy Italian restaurant, but at a potluck hosted by an elderly Italian neighbor, Maria. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of garlic and simmering tomatoes. I was just a kid, and while other kids eyed the dessert table, I was captivated by the bubbling, golden-brown pan of lasagna. I begged for her recipe, and over the years, I've tweaked and refined it, adding my own touches until it truly earned the moniker 'Million Dollar Lasagna.' It's more than just a dish; it's a hug in a casserole, a symphony of flavors that has graced countless family gatherings, celebrations, and even quiet weeknight dinners when we just needed a little extra warmth.

This isn't just any pasta bake; this is the Million Dollar Lasagna, designed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates. It’s the kind of recipe that gets requested year after year, the one that makes everyone ask for seconds, and then thirds. Prepare to elevate your lasagna game!

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: This Million Dollar Lasagna boasts layers of a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, creating a depth of flavor that's simply unparalleled.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There's nothing quite like a warm, cheesy slice of homemade lasagna to bring comfort and joy. It's the quintessential dish for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something truly special.
• Crowd-Pleaser & Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe generously serves a crowd, making it perfect for entertaining. Plus, you can assemble it ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for busy hosts. This Million Dollar Lasagna only gets better as it sits!
• Impressively Delicious: Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to create something extraordinary, this Million Dollar Lasagna will earn you rave reviews and requests for the recipe every single time.

Key Ingredient Notes

The magic of this Million Dollar Lasagna lies in the quality and combination of its core ingredients. Don't skimp here; each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, decadent flavor.

The Meat: A Hearty Blend is Best

For the ultimate meat sauce, I highly recommend using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. The beef provides a solid, savory base, while the Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) adds incredible flavor, spice, and richness. If you're not a fan of sausage, you can certainly use all ground beef, but try to use a blend that's not too lean (80/20 is perfect) for a more flavorful sauce. Browning the meat well is crucial to developing deep, complex flavors that define this Million Dollar Lasagna.

The Cheese: A Trio of Creamy Goodness

The cheese layers are what truly make this a Million Dollar Lasagna. We're talking a dynamic trio: creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan. Full-fat ricotta is my personal choice here; it adds an unparalleled creaminess that part-skim just can't match. Mozzarella provides that glorious stringy pull when you slice into the lasagna, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled throughout and on top adds a salty, nutty, irresistible crust. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses if possible, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture. Grating your own makes a huge difference in this Million Dollar Lasagna.

The Pasta: No-Boil vs. Traditional

Ah, the great lasagna noodle debate! For convenience, no-boil lasagna noodles are fantastic and work wonderfully in this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe. They absorb moisture from the sauce and cook perfectly in the oven, saving you a messy step. However, if you prefer the traditional route, feel free to use classic lasagna noodles. Just remember to boil them al dente according to package directions before assembling. Whichever you choose, ensure they are spread out and don't stick together during pre-cooking if using traditional, or that they are evenly covered by sauce if using no-boil. This Million Dollar Lasagna will be delicious either way!

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips

Creating this spectacular Million Dollar Lasagna is a labor of love, but every step is worth the effort for the incredible result. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that will become an instant family favorite.

Pro Tip for the Sauce: Simmer Low and Slow

The key to a truly great Million Dollar Lasagna sauce is time. Allow it to simmer gently for at least 30-45 minutes (or even longer!) to let the flavors meld and deepen. This step is non-negotiable for that rich, complex taste.

• Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 2: Build the Sauce Base. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and red wine (if using). Add the dried basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavor your Million Dollar Lasagna sauce will have. Remove bay leaves before assembling.
• Step 3: Make the Ricotta Cheese Mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. This creamy mixture is crucial for the luxurious texture of our Million Dollar Lasagna.
• Step 4: Preheat Oven & Prep Dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna. Begin by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and ensures every bite of Million Dollar Lasagna is saucy.
• Step 6: Layer the Noodles. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked) over the sauce. Break them as needed to fit.
• Step 7: Add Ricotta and Mozzarella. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Step 8: Add More Sauce. Spoon about one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
• Step 9: Repeat Layers. Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce layers once more.
• Step 10: Final Layer. Place a final layer of noodles, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a final dusting of Parmesan over the top of your Million Dollar Lasagna.
• Step 11: Bake the Lasagna. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you love a darker, crispier top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Step 12: Rest and Serve. This is perhaps the hardest step, but crucial for structural integrity! Let the Million Dollar Lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents a messy collapse. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. For easy storage of leftovers, consider using Basics Glass Food Storage containers.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is incredibly versatile! While it's perfect as is, here are some ideas to customize it or serve it up for a complete meal.

Creative Variations:

• Vegetarian Million Dollar Lasagna: Omit the meat and instead sauté finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach with the onions and garlic before adding the tomato paste and sauces. You could also add a can of drained lentils for extra protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your meat sauce for a delightful heat. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Green Power: Stir a cup of fresh spinach (frozen and squeezed dry works too!) into your ricotta mixture for an extra boost of nutrients and a pop of color in your Million Dollar Lasagna.
• Different Cheeses: While the classic trio is unbeatable, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for subtle flavor changes in your Million Dollar Lasagna.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Companions: Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up any extra sauce is also a must!
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of this Million Dollar Lasagna.
• Dessert Duo: Follow up this hearty meal with a lighter dessert. Something like Divine Quick Raspberry Trifle or even just some fresh fruit would be perfect. For another comforting baked dish, consider our Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Bake.

Nutrition Information

Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutrition facts for one serving of this hearty Million Dollar Lasagna. Please remember these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

There you have it – my cherished Million Dollar Lasagna recipe, perfected over years and guaranteed to bring smiles to every table. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a memory in the making, and a testament to the power of good food bringing people together. Don't be intimidated by the layers; each step is straightforward, and the result is truly a masterpiece. I hope this Million Dollar Lasagna brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. Happy cooking!

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Million Dollar Lasagna

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe, featuring rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, three types of creamy cheese, and perfectly layered pasta. It's an unforgettable dish that lives up to its name!

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz can tomato paste
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup red wine (optional, e.g., Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 tsp salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
15 oz ricotta cheese (full-fat recommended)
1 large egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
12-15 lasagna noodles (no-boil or traditional, cooked al dente)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and red wine (if using). Add the dried basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves before assembling.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Begin assembling the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked) over the sauce. Break them as needed to fit.
Step 8: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Spoon about one-third of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
Step 10: Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce layers once more.
Step 11: Place a final layer of noodles, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a final dusting of Parmesan over the top.
Step 12: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes if desired for extra browning.
Step 13: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, assemble this Million Dollar Lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Ensure meat sauce simmers for at least 45 minutes to develop deep flavor. Resting the lasagna for 15-20 minutes after baking is crucial for clean slices.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 105mg