Million Dollar Lasagna

Lasagna is a beloved classic, bringing warmth and comfort to the dinner table. But have you ever experienced a lasagna so rich, so decadent, that it is affectionately dubbed “Million Dollar Lasagna”? This dish delivers layers of tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese, all smothered in a homemade marinara sauce. Simply put, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday night into a gourmet occasion! Fun fact: this blockbuster of a lasagna is not just for special occasions; it’s easy to prepare and can be whipped up quickly. With family-friendly appeal, it’s a dish that invites everyone to the table, creating joyful memories with every bite. If you’ve enjoyed my classic spaghetti recipe, you’re in for a treat with this indulgent alternative that promises to elevate your pasta game! Get your forks ready; you’re going to want to dive into this crowd-pleaser!

What is Million Dollar Lasagna?

So, what’s in a name, you ask? Million Dollar Lasagna is a title that sparks curiosity and hints at indulgence. Why not just call it “Lasagna”? Well, isn’t it a classic saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This lasagna takes that sentiment to the next level! Picture a dish so fabulous, it feels worth every penny of a million dollars. It combines layers of cheesy goodness, mouthwatering sauce, and meaty perfection that make diners weak in the knees. How can you resist it? Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, are you ready to elevate your weeknight meals? Let’s dive into this fabulous recipe and bring some culinary magic to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is truly the star of any dinner. Its primary highlight is the absolutely delectable layers of flavor that come from the combination of rich marinara sauce, three types of cheese, and seasoned ground meat, all nestled between the softest sheets of pasta. Making this dish at home can save you a chunk of change compared to dining out at a fancy Italian restaurant, without skimping on taste. And we can’t forget about the standout ingredients that set this lasagna apart: the mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy and cheesy symphony that will leave you craving more. If you love hearty dishes like stuffed shells, you’ll find this lasagna to be a delightful twist that offers a more complex flavor profile. Ready to impress your family with this meal? Let’s make it together!

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Quick Overview

Making Million Dollar Lasagna is easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying! With an estimated preparation time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of around 1 hour, you’ll be savoring each cheesy layer before you know it. What sets this dish apart is the creamy sauce that seeps between the layers, enriching the al dente pasta and adding depth to the overall flavor. It’s comfort food gone gourmet!

Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Noodles: In a large pot, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Mix Ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Layer Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 4 noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and then another layer of meat sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake: Cover 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.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna With

Pair your Million Dollar Lasagna with a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and meat. A garlicky bread or breadsticks are also excellent sides that everyone loves. To make it even more special, serve a glass of Italian Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a complete meal experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Million Dollar Lasagna

For perfect Million Dollar Lasagna:

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to cut down on prep time.
• Let the dish sit before slicing; this helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with the cheeses; add goat cheese or ricotta with herbs for extra flavor.
• For a healthier alternative, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store your Million Dollar Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftover lasagna for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight (if frozen) and place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece even on the busiest of days!

In conclusion, Million Dollar Lasagna is an absolute must-try for pasta lovers and novice cooks alike. With its comforting layers and rich flavors, it’s a recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home. Grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s create a million-dollar meal together!

Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and decadent lasagna featuring layers of tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses, all topped with a homemade marinara sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Lasagna

• 12 pieces lasagna noodles Can use no-boil noodles to reduce prep time.
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey For a healthier alternative, consider using turkey or chicken.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese Can use ricotta with herbs for additional flavor.
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assembly

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 4 noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and then another layer of meat sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top.

Baking

1. Cover 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.
2. Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, let the dish sit before slicing to help the layers set. Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.