Million Dollar Lasagna

Are you ready for a lasagna that’s so indulgent, so mouthwatering, and so comforting, you’ll want to make it every week? Enter Million Dollar Lasagna. It’s the kind of dish that’s as rich as it sounds, with layers of tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, a creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey mozzarella that melts to perfection. This lasagna is loaded with all the good stuff, making it the ultimate comfort food—trust me, it’s worth every single bite.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Lasagna

Here’s why this lasagna is a total game-changer:

• Rich and Creamy: With a decadent blend of cream cheese and ricotta cheese, this lasagna is super creamy, taking it to the next level of comfort food.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over, this lasagna is hearty enough to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to potlucks, or even special holidays, this lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s truly an “everyone loves it” dish.
• Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious flavors, this lasagna comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s easy enough for a beginner, but impressive enough to wow your guests.
• Make-Ahead: This dish actually gets better the next day! You can prep it ahead of time and just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

This is what you’ll need to make your Million Dollar Lasagna, packed with cheesy, savory layers that will make you smile:

• Ground Beef: This is the base for your savory meat sauce. You could also use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor, or ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics create a flavorful base for your sauce, bringing richness and depth.
• Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: These bring that tangy, delicious tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: For that classic lasagna taste. You can use dried oregano, basil, and thyme or a pre-made Italian seasoning blend.
• Ricotta Cheese: This is one of the stars of the show! It gives the lasagna its creamy, slightly tangy flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that makes this lasagna extra rich and creamy. It adds a smooth, velvety texture that will leave you wanting more.
• Egg: The egg helps bind the cheese mixture and creates a rich filling.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is essential for that cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: A bit of grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick that balances the richness of the other cheeses.
• Lasagna Noodles: You’ll need regular lasagna noodles, cooked al dente, or you can use no-boil noodles for convenience.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this million-dollar masterpiece? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the other layers.

Make the Cheese Mixture:

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside. If you’re using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Then, layer lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) and finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.

Add the Mozzarella:

Top the final layer of meat sauce with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese. The more cheese, the better!

Bake:

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (you can lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let it Rest:

Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.

Serve and Enjoy:

Now, slice yourself a hearty piece of this delicious, cheesy lasagna. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for the perfect meal. Enjoy every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is so satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to make the meal complete:

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, for a nutritious and colorful side.
• Red Wine: A glass of red wine, like a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti, pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of this lasagna.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: This lasagna can be made ahead of time! Assemble it, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Freeze for Later: To freeze, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use Different Meats: If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or veggie crumbles.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use no-boil noodles for this lasagna?
A1: Yes, you can use no-boil noodles to save time! Just make sure you have enough sauce to help them cook through while baking.

Q2: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?
A3: Yes, you can! After assembling, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake it straight from the freezer when ready to serve.

Q4: Can I substitute the cream cheese?
A4: You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different texture, but the cream cheese is what gives this lasagna its signature creamy richness.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Q6: Can I add more cheese to the top?
A6: Absolutely! The more cheese, the better. Feel free to add extra mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect cheesy crust.

Q7: Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
A7: Yes, you can easily make this lasagna vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a meatless crumbles substitute.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A8: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try using a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or even gouda for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that mozzarella gives that perfect melt!

Q9: How do I prevent my lasagna from being too runny?
A9: To prevent runny lasagna, make sure to drain any excess moisture from ingredients like ricotta cheese and cooked ground beef. Using enough sauce to fully cover the noodles and letting the lasagna rest after baking will also help the layers set.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is everything you want in a lasagna and more—it’s indulgent, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, impressing guests, or enjoying a cozy night in with your family. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I can guarantee that everyone will be asking for seconds. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a slice of heaven!

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