Description
Million Dollar Lasagna: Layers of rich beef sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. A decadent crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 pound (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1½ cups)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces/800g each) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 16 ounces (450g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound (450g) lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces (450g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (225g) provolone cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce Begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly until no pink remains—this careful browning is what builds the deep flavor foundation of your Million Dollar Lasagna. Once browned, drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Add the diced onions to the meat and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and bay leaves, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, complex flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture While your sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, half of the parmesan, eggs, parsley, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated—this creamy combination is what gives Million Dollar Lasagna its signature luxurious texture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 3: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Carefully remove the noodles and lay them flat on oiled parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pro tip: Cook a few extra noodles in case some tear during the process.
- Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of meat sauce across the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. Top with 1/3 of the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly, then add 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella and place a few slices of provolone cheese. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with the last of the meat sauce. Cover the top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This generous cheese topping creates that spectacular golden crust that makes Million Dollar Lasagna truly live up to its name.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Allow your masterpiece to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving—this crucial step ensures clean slices and prevents the layers from sliding apart.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hearty slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg