Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, indulgent take on classic lasagna, with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, savory meat sauce, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s perfect for a special family dinner or any occasion when you want to treat yourself to something extra special. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, or a mix of both)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (or use all ricotta for a creamier version)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, red wine (if using), basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), cook them according to package directions. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or a large piece of parchment paper to keep them separated.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce (about 3-4 noodles, depending on your dish size).
- Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Spoon some of the meat sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle with a little bit of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, sauce, cheeses) until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the lasagna tightly with foil (to prevent the cheese from sticking, you can either spray the foil with cooking spray or use non-stick foil).
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips:
- Make-Ahead: This lasagna is even better the next day, so feel free to assemble it a day or two ahead. Just refrigerate it and bake when ready.
- Freeze It: You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Cheese Variations: For an extra creamy texture, you can add more ricotta or even use a mix of mascarpone cheese.
- Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to make the sauce spicy or tangy by adjusting the seasonings or adding a bit of sugar if you like a sweeter sauce.
Enjoy your Million Dollar Lasagna—a rich, cheesy, and utterly indulgent dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or whenever you want a luxurious comfort meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!