Print

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 86 reviews

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty Italian-American classic layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh herbs, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting baked pasta dish combines no-boil lasagna noodles with a flavorful sauce made from ground beef, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

  • 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn.
  3. Cook Meats: Add the lean ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand), fresh oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 20 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  6. Layer the Lasagna: Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  7. Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to set. This makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors meld together before serving.

Notes

  • Using no-boil noodles saves preparation time and simplifies the process.
  • Hand-crushing the canned tomatoes adds rustic texture and better integrates with the meat sauce.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking enhances flavor melding and makes slicing neater.
  • You can substitute spicy or mild Italian sausage according to your preference for heat.
  • Fresh herbs like basil and oregano contribute to an authentic taste but can be replaced with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/million-dollar-lasagna-recipe/