Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy Italian classic that combines hearty layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This indulgent dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, boasting a flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano, all baked to bubbly perfection. Customizable and comforting, it offers options for lighter or vegetarian adaptations while delivering on pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (Can be replaced with chicken sausage or omitted for a vegetarian delight.)
- 1 Onion, Chopped (Shallots can be used for a sweeter touch.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, Minced (Garlic powder is a handy alternative in a rush.)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (Use fresh tomatoes if they are in season.)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Optional to reduce for a lighter texture.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (Adjust amounts if using fresh herbs.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Adjust amounts if using fresh herbs.)
- Salt, to taste (Always adjust to your taste preference.)
- Pepper, to taste (Always adjust to your taste preference.)
Pasta and Cheese Layers
- 12 noodles Lasagna Noodles (Opt for no-boil noodles for easy preparation.)
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese (Cottage cheese or blended silken tofu works well for a dairy-free twist.)
- 1 Large Egg (Skip it for a dairy-free option or use a flax egg as a vegan substitute.)
- 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Provolone or dairy-free cheese can be great alternatives.)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Consider nutritional yeast for a dairy-free substitute.)
Garnish
- Fresh Basil or Parsley, to taste (Your choice for a beautiful finishing touch.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together until no longer pink, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste if using. Then add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat and letting it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the large egg, mixing well until smooth and creamy. This mixture will help bind the cheese layer and add richness.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are not using no-boil noodles, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step for easier assembly.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a little grated Parmesan. Spoon a generous layer of the meat sauce over the cheese layers. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of noodles covered with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving for a fresh and attractive finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Chicken sausage or omitting sausage altogether can make this dish more adaptable to dietary preferences.
- Use shallots instead of onions for a sweeter flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute ricotta with blended silken tofu or cottage cheese and replace cheeses with vegan versions.
- No-boil noodles save time and simplify preparation but pre-cooking noodles ensures tenderness if preferred.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
