This Million Dollar Lasagna is a luxurious take on the classic dish, combining layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an indulgent and hearty meal. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving family or guests.
Ingredients
(Serves 8–10)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 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 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
For the Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (in addition to cheese mixture)
- Extra parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the cheese mixture for extra gooeyness.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for layering.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it off and enjoy!
- Freeze It: You can freeze the unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra 20–30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and ricotta adds a luxurious, indulgent texture.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with meat, cheese, and pasta, it’s a comforting, fulfilling meal.
- Perfect for Crowds: Whether for family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions, this dish will surely impress your guests.
This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with a twist, delivering rich, creamy, and hearty flavors in every bite. Enjoy it as the star of your dinner table!