Easy Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Top-Notch Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: A Rich Family Favorite

Crafting this million dollar lasagna creates a culinary masterpiece that will make dinner guests swoon with delight.

Layers of rich, creamy cheese blend perfectly with savory meat sauce.

Homemade recipes often seem complicated, but this approach simplifies everything.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of comfort food.

Authentic Italian techniques merge with modern cooking shortcuts to produce something spectacular.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this remarkable dish.

Essential Ingredients for an Unforgettable Million Dollar Lasagna

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and hearty protein base that adds depth to the lasagna.
  • Italian Sausage: Provides additional flavor and complexity to the meat sauce.
  • Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and adds structure to the lasagna.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth filling with a light texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and a velvety consistency to the cheese mixture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers a classic, stretchy melted topping for the lasagna.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty finish to the dish.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic tomato base with traditional Italian flavors.
  • Onion, Garlic: Fundamental aromatics that enhance the overall taste of the meat sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds authentic Italian character.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.
Pasta:
  • Lasagna Noodles: The foundational layer that holds the entire lasagna together.

Step-by-Step Lasagna Baking Instructions for Perfect Results

Step-by-Step Lasagna Baking Instructions for Perfect Results

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Boil the lasagna noodles following the package directions, then drain and set them aside ready for layering.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Mixture

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef, sausage, chopped onions, and minced garlic over medium heat. Cook until the meat turns brown and loses its pink color.

Drain away any extra grease from the pan.

Step 3: Create the Meat Sauce

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat.

Let the sauce simmer and blend with the meat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Egg
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 5: Build the Lasagna Layers

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start layering your lasagna:
  • First layer: 1/3 of meat sauce
  • Second layer: Lasagna noodles
  • Third layer: Half of the cheese mixture

Repeat these layers, ending with meat sauce on top.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle generously over the top:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Slice and serve hot.

Expert Advice to Take Your Lasagna from Good to Legendary

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged versions.
  • Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier without falling apart.
  • For gluten-free option, replace traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta sheets.
  • Reduce meat content by substituting half the ground beef with mushrooms for a lighter, vegetable-forward version.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble lasagna night before, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced flavor development.

Unique Twists to Customize Your Million Dollar Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap traditional noodles with zucchini slices or thin eggplant layers to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and add oregano and basil to create a Greek-inspired lasagna with lighter, fresher ingredients.

Perfect Pairings to Serve Alongside This Classic Lasagna

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty flavors.
  • Rustic Italian Night: Pair with warm garlic bread and a glass of red wine for a classic, comforting dinner experience that transports you straight to Italy.
  • Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing lasagna to gatherings, where it'll be the centerpiece that everyone raves about and requests the recipe.
  • Leftover Magic: Slice and store individual portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious lunch or dinner meals throughout the week.

How to Store Lasagna to Keep It Fresh and Delicious

  • Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store individual portions in sealed containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap for convenient single-serving reheating.
  • Refrigerated lasagna stays good for 3-4 days when properly stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  • Freeze lasagna for up to 3 months by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

  • What type of meat works best in this lasagna?

Ground beef and Italian sausage create the perfect flavor combination, offering rich taste and texture with a balanced blend of meats.

  • Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

  • Is it necessary to use both ricotta and cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds extra creaminess and richness that makes this lasagna extra special, creating a smoother, more luxurious cheese layer compared to traditional recipes.

  • How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain excess grease from the meat after browning and let the meat sauce simmer to reduce moisture, which helps create a firmer, less soggy lasagna.

Million Dollar Lasagna: Layers of Rich, Cheesy Goodness

Million Dollar Lasagna: Layers of Rich, Cheesy Goodness
  • Celebrate Family Comfort: A hearty lasagna that brings everyone together with rich, layered flavors perfect for gathering loved ones around the dinner table.
  • Master Crowd-Pleasing Technique: An impressive dish that looks professionally prepared but actually requires basic cooking skills, making you feel like a culinary superstar without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe where home cooks can swap meats, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • No-Stress Meal Preparation: Simple step-by-step instructions guarantee success for both novice and experienced cooks, reducing kitchen anxiety and ensuring delicious results every single time.
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Easy Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Easy Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Million dollar lasagna merges classic Italian flavors with rich, creamy layers of comfort. Cheese, ground beef, and homemade sauce create a memorable meal that delights family gatherings with authentic warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound Italian sausage

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg

Pasta, Sauce, and Seasonings:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat.
  3. Pour marinara sauce into meat mixture and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
  4. Create cheese blend by combining ricotta, cream cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
  5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and construct initial layer using meat sauce, followed by a noodle sheet and half of the prepared cheese mixture.
  6. Repeat layering process, ensuring final top layer consists of meat sauce for maximum coverage.
  7. Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the entire surface of the lasagna.
  8. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375F.
  9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden and edges become crispy and bubbly.
  10. Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting to help layers set and improve serving consistency.

Notes

  • Enhance the meat sauce’s depth by adding a splash of red wine during simmering for richer flavor complexity.
  • Substitute ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains robust taste.
  • Prevent soggy lasagna by slightly undercooking noodles and allowing them to finish cooking in the oven, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble lasagna the night before, refrigerating overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop more intense taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 597 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 845 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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