Description
Indulge in the ultimate Million Dollar Lasagna loaded with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. Comfort food heaven awaits!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1½ cups)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz/800g each) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 16 ounces (450g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces (450g) low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Additional ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan. Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions to the remaining fat. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the meat to the pan and stir to combine. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well-incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is what gives Million Dollar Lasagna its luxurious texture and distinctive flavor.
- Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. Place 4 no-boil lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping if necessary. Top with one-third of the cheese mixture, spreading it gently with a spatula, then sprinkle with one-quarter of the shredded mozzarella. Add another layer of meat sauce (about 1½ cups). Repeat the layering process twice more: noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. For the final layer, place the remaining noodles, top with the last of the meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and the additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the top of the lasagna. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown in spots. If you want an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let stand for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired before serving your magnificent Million Dollar Lasagna.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490 calories
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 31 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 130 mg