Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, hearty baked pasta dish layered with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, three cheeses, and marinara sauce. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna—thick noodles, savory meat, and gooey cheese—baked to golden perfection and served in generous slices.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to treat yourself to something truly comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🥩 Meat Lovers’ Dream: A delicious mix of ground beef and Italian sausage gives deep, satisfying flavor.
• 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create the ultimate melt.
• 🍝 Layered Luxury: Every bite is full of texture and taste—from tender noodles to bubbling cheese.
• ⏱️ Easy Assembly: No-boil method (if using oven-ready noodles) or traditional layering—your choice!
• 🎉 Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for feeding a hungry family or making ahead for meal prep.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 lb Italian sausage , removed from casing (sweet or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 cup onion , diced (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)
• 1 large egg (to bind the ricotta mixture)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for extra flavor)

For Layering:

• 12–15 lasagna noodles (boiled if not using oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk, as preferred)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and golden cheese on top.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook:

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage (and onion/garlic if using)

Break up the meat as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in:

• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let simmer while preparing the other layers.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning

Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a 9×13-inch baking dish , begin layering:

1. A thin layer of meat sauce to prevent sticking
2. One layer of cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready noodles if using no-boil)
3. Half of the ricotta mixture , spread evenly
4. Half of the meat sauce
5. Generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese

Repeat the layers one more time:

• Noodles
• Ricotta mixture
• Meat sauce
• Mozzarella

Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce , and a top layer of:

• Remaining mozzarella
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes .

Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes , until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing—it helps hold its shape and makes for cleaner cuts.

Tips for Success:

• 🍝 Use No-Boil Noodles: Saves time and keeps the lasagna moist without sogginess.
• 🧀 Fresh Cheese Matters: Use real mozzarella and Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
• 🧄 Boost Flavor: Add garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra depth.
• 🥦 Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie version.
• 📦 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with red wine or a cold glass of milk.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for color and freshness.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings):

(With beef, sausage, and regular cheese)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~6g

This Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name—it tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen but was made right at home. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella—it’s comfort food at its finest.

So go ahead and serve this up with pride… because once your family takes a bite, they’ll think you’ve hit the jackpot!