Description
This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is an incredible ultimate dish. It features layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and a flavorful sauce for a truly decadent experience. Easy to make and perfect for impressing guests, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer with three lasagna noodles, half the cheese mixture, the meat mixture, and more marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layers: three noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, meat mixture, and sauce. Top with the final three noodles, remaining marinara sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh ingredients and quality cheeses.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set for easier slicing.
- Experiment with herbs like fresh basil or parsley in the cheese mixture.
- Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
- Pair with a glass of Chianti or a light red wine.
- Vegetarian variation: Substitute meat with grilled vegetables or mushrooms.
- White sauce variation: Replace marinara with creamy alfredo sauce.
- Spicy variation: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- For extra cheesiness, increase the amount of mozzarella.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze tightly wrapped lasagna for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A