Million Dollar Lasagna: 7 Layers of Cheesy Delight

Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is a comforting and indulgent dish, perfect for satisfying your cravings. This recipe features layers of creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. With each bite, you’ll discover why this lasagna is a family favorite. It’s an ideal meal for gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about convenience and satisfaction. Here are six reasons to love it:

  • Perfect for family dinners, it serves 8 generously.
  • It combines ground beef and Italian sausage for rich flavors.
  • The creamy cheese mixture adds a luxurious texture.
  • Easy preparation steps make it a weeknight hero.
  • Versatile with variations like Million Dollar Lasagna with spinach.
  • It’s a family-friendly Million Dollar Lasagna dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna

Gather these items:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (additional for layering)
  • Extra parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar, and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles, followed by cheese mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
  6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
  7. Step 7: Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Lasagna

Keep these in mind:

  • Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
  • Use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
  • Let the lasagna rest before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
  • Cover the dish tightly while baking to keep moisture.

Best Ways to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Consider these serving ideas:

  • Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
  • Serve with garlic bread for a comforting touch.
  • Top with more fresh parsley for an elegant finish.

How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Lasagna

To store, cover tightly with foil and place in the refrigerator. For reheating, simply bake in the oven until warmed through. This makes it an affordable Million Dollar Lasagna meal perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Lasagna

What’s the secret to perfect Million Dollar Lasagna?

The secret lies in the layering technique. Ensure each layer has an equal distribution of sauce, cheese, and noodles. This keeps the flavors balanced and prevents dryness.

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Million Dollar Lasagna?

Avoid overcooking the noodles and ensure your cheese mixture is well-blended. This prevents clumps and gives a smoother texture to your dish.

Variations of Million Dollar Lasagna You Can Try

Here are a few ideas:

  • Vegetarian Million Dollar Lasagna options can include layers of spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Try Million Dollar Lasagna with ground beef for a hearty version.
  • For a twist, make a Million Dollar Lasagna casserole in a different baking dish.
  • Incorporate a layer of pesto for a burst of flavor.
Million Dollar Lasagna: 7 Layers of Cheesy Delight - Million Dollar Lasagna - main visual representation
Million Dollar Lasagna: 7 Layers of Cheesy Delight - Million Dollar Lasagna - additional detail

// Image view tracking for engagement
document.querySelector(‘.featured-image-container img’).addEventListener(‘load’, function() {
// Track image load for Discover optimization
console.log(‘[DISCOVER-IMG-LOADED]’);
});

For more delicious recipes, check out homemade tomato sauce or spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore Mediterranean chickpea salad for a refreshing side dish.

Print

Million Dollar Lasagna: 7 Layers of Cheesy Delight

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A comforting and indulgent lasagna with layers of creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella.

  • Author: Robert
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (additional for layering)
  • Extra parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar, and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles, followed by cheese mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
  7. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
  • Use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Hi! I’m Margaret!

A passionate home cook and food lover who loves nothing more than sharing my favourite recipes with the world.

Subscribe

Get exclusive access to recipes and cooking tips!





You’ll also love