Name: Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 500 g (1 lb) ground beef; 250 g (½ lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese; ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese; 1 large egg; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup provolone or fontina cheese (optional for extra richness); ½ cup grated Parmesan; 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing top)

Jump to Recipe

Lasagna has long been a beloved centerpiece at family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners, but this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna takes the classic dish to a new level. A rich, creamy ricotta layer combined with the heartiness of seasoned meat sauce creates an irresistible flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a luxurious homemade meal, this lasagna is sure to impress with its deep flavors and comforting textures.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a standout dish that combines simplicity with indulgence. It’s perfect for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or holiday celebrations where you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is family-approved and packed with flavors that win hearts—making it ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

"This lasagna is an absolute game-changer! The layers of cheese and meat sauce create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. My family requests it every Sunday!" – Happy Lasagna Lover

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is straightforward. You’ll start by crafting a delicious meat sauce that simmers to develop robust flavors. While the sauce is bubbling away, you’ll whip up a creamy ricotta mixture that will add that signature richness. Finally, you’ll assemble the layers in a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. With just a few steps, you’ll create a dish worthy of a five-star restaurant in the comfort of your own home!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Before you jump in, let’s gather the essential ingredients you’ll need to recreate this culinary delight:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
500 g (1 lb) ground beef
250 g (½ lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup provolone or fontina cheese (optional for extra richness)
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing top)

Feel free to customize the recipe by swapping out the meat or using different cheese types to cater to your preferences.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part—cooking!

Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ground beef, and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Next, add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer over low heat for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and releases a fragrant aroma.
Make the Creamy Ricotta Layer: While the sauce simmers, in a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream (or cream cheese), the large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until you achieve a smooth consistency. This layer is key to giving your lasagna that unforgettable richness.
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the dish. Next, place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. On top of the noodles, spread half of the creamy ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the remaining meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until you use all the ingredients, ensuring you finish with noodles topped with sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. To achieve a beautiful golden crust, brush the top layer with melted butter.
Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Once done, allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set beautifully.

Tips for Serving

Presenting your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is as important as making it! For a heartwarming presentation, serve slices with a sprinkling of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with a simple side salad and freshly baked garlic bread for a classic Italian dining experience. A robust red wine like Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon makes for excellent complements to this dish.

Storage Tips

To store your lasagna, allow it to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

Expert Advice

To enhance the flavor, let your meat sauce simmer longer if time allows—this deepens the taste. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, allow your lasagna to rest before serving; it helps the layers remain intact while slicing.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize this lasagna! You can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition, or switch up the cheeses for a different flavor. For a kick, try adding crushed red pepper to the meat sauce. Vegetarian options are equally delightful—just use layers of grilled or roasted vegetables.

FAQ

What is the prep time for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna?

Prep time is about 30 minutes, and the total cooking time is approximately 1 hour.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the layers a day in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze lasagna?

Yes! This lasagna freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and plan to bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?

Definitely! Substitute the meat with your favorite vegetables or make a hearty vegetable sauce.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Ensure to drain any excess liquid from the meat sauce and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing, which will prevent it from becoming too watery.

With these tips and this detailed guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect Million Dollar Italian Lasagna that’s not only comforting but also a showstopper at your dining table! Enjoy cooking and indulging in this classic dish!