Name: Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste; 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 lasagna noodles

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I make Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe when I need a big, good meal. I use it for family nights and for days when I want food that feeds many. The dish fills the oven and feeds a crowd. It keeps well and tastes better the next day. I like that it is easy to plan. I can cook the sauce first. Then I build the layers. It gives me time to set the table. It is a simple plan that works.

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Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe became useful when I had guests and little time. I can make it a day ahead. I can warm it slow and still get a good crust on top. The steps are clear and repeatable. I learned to keep the cheese mix mild and to cook the sauce a bit longer. That makes the taste deep and steady. This lasagna works for dinner parties, meals for neighbors, or weekday family dinners.

This recipe is a rich meat lasagna with a creamy cheese mix. It has ground beef, Italian sausage, tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The taste is savory and full. The sauce is deep and a little sweet from cooked tomatoes. The cheese makes the center soft and warm. People often make it for holidays, potlucks, and big family meals. It takes time, but most steps are simple. You can make parts in advance. You can also try other noodle types for a twist, like the black bean noodle idea in this simple black bean noodle vegetarian recipe for a different meal plan.

why make this recipe

You should make this recipe because it feeds many people well. The cook time is longer, but most work is simple. You can start the sauce in the morning. You can build the pan in the afternoon. Most steps use common items you have at home. The flavor is strong but not sharp. It works for slow weekend cooking or for planned weekday meals. The recipe saves time later. Leftovers heat well and make quick lunches. You can also freeze portions. That makes it easy to grab a meal later. The recipe fits many uses and is not hard to follow.

how to make Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

First, you will brown the meat and cook the onion and garlic. That step gives a good base taste. Next, you add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Then the spices join and the sauce simmers to blend the flavors. While the sauce cooks, you boil the pasta until it is soft but still firm. You mix the ricotta, egg, and some Parmesan to make a smooth cheese layer. After that, you layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, and mozzarella. You repeat the layers until the pan is full. Finally, you cover the lasagna and bake it. Let it cool so it sets. If you want a sweet side, try a simple cookie after the meal like in this candy apple cookie recipe for a fast dessert.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
12 lasagna noodles

These items make a full 9×13 pan. You can buy pre-shredded cheese to save time. Use good canned tomatoes for the best sauce taste. The egg helps the ricotta hold shape when you cut the lasagna. The oregano and basil give the sauce an Italian touch. You may add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are very acidic. The list is simple and uses common items you can find in most stores. You can swap the sausage for another ground meat if you like.

Directions

Crafting your Million Dollar Lasagna can be an enjoyable experience if you follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for about 30 minutes.
Cook Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Cheesy Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, then add a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the final layer.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Cooldown: Once baked, let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes and helpful tips: Preheating ensures even bake. Browning the meat first removes fat and adds flavor. Simmering the sauce blends the spices and softens the tomatoes. Cooking the noodles while the sauce simmers saves time. The ricotta mix gives the lasagna a soft, creamy center. Layering well makes the slices hold shape. Covering with foil keeps the top from burning while the inside cooks. Removing foil late browns the cheese. Letting it rest helps cut clean squares. These steps work in order and make a steady result.

how to serve Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

You can serve this lasagna with a simple green salad. A plain salad of lettuce, cucumber, and a light dressing goes well. Serve warm, not hot, so the layers do not fall apart. You can add garlic bread or a simple roll for a fuller meal. For a light side, steam broccoli and squeeze lemon on top. For a party, cut the lasagna into small squares and serve on a tray. Let people pick what they want from the table. You can add grated Parmesan at the table for those who want more cheese. A small bowl of pickled peppers or olives works well too. Keep plates warm so the lasagna stays tasty.

how to store Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

To store in the fridge, let the lasagna cool to room temp. Put it in a tight container or cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, cut into portions and wrap each piece in foil, then place in a freezer bag. In the freezer it keeps well for up to 3 months. To reheat from the fridge, warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. From frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat in the oven until warm. You can also microwave single slices. For a full pan, cover with foil when you reheat to stop the top from burning. For more storage ideas, read a short note on making treats like a simple candy that freezes well at this classic homemade orange candy recipe page.

tips to make Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Use fresh onions and garlic for strong flavor. Do not skip draining the meat. Too much fat makes the dish runny. Simmer the sauce at low heat. That makes it taste better. Do not overcook the noodles. Al dente noodles hold the layers well. Mix the ricotta and egg until smooth. That helps the cheese layer spread easily. Use a good baking dish with sides high enough for the layers. Check the oven early the first time you make it. Ovens vary and you may need less or more time. Let it cool to set the layers. This makes cleaner slices and a neater plate.

variation

You can change this lasagna in simple ways. Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage to cut fat. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Add cooked spinach or chopped mushrooms to the ricotta layer for more veg. Try a white sauce instead of tomato for a creamy twist. Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use a mix of cooked vegetables with extra tomato. These swaps keep the dish simple and still full of taste. The recipe works well with small changes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and bake when you need it. It keeps its taste well.

Q: Can I freeze the lasagna?
A: Yes. Wrap portions in foil and freeze up to three months. Thaw in fridge before baking.

Q: Do I have to use ricotta?
A: You can use cottage cheese as a swap. It changes the texture but still works.

Q: How do I get a golden top?
A: Remove foil for the last 30 minutes of baking. This browns the cheese without drying the inside.

Conclusion

This recipe is a good choice for large meals and for planning ahead. For more lasagna ideas, see a simple guide to an easy version at Million Dollar Easy Lasagna Go Go Go Gourmet. If you want a close variant, try a home cook take at Million Dollar Lasagna – Plain Chicken. For one more popular recipe with steps and video, you can look at World’s Best Lasagna Recipe (with Video).

Million Dollar Lasagna: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe