Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna


  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Meat

Description

A hearty Italian lasagna layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 250 g Italian sausage
  • 800 g crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 425 g 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)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan for topping
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in garlic, followed by ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until smooth.
  6. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom, layer down 3 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers and finish with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan. Brush top with melted butter.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread and a salad for a complete meal. Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: lasagna, Italian, comfort food, family meal, cheese