Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Lasagna lovers, get ready to indulge in the richest, creamiest, most flavorful lasagna you’ve ever tasted! This Million Dollar Lasagna is the perfect combination of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a show-stopping dinner for family meals, gatherings, or even special occasions. Packed with savory beef, chicken sausage, tangy marinara, and a velvety cheese mixture, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Introduction
Lasagna is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. But this Million Dollar Lasagna takes it to the next level by combining premium ingredients, creamy cheese layers, and rich meat sauce to create a truly indulgent dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this decadent homemade lasagna is worth every bite.
Unlike traditional lasagna recipes, this version uses a mix of ground beef and chicken sausage for a unique depth of flavor. Plus, a creamy cheese filling made with ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella adds a luxurious texture that makes this dish stand out. Let’s get started on this million-dollar-worthy recipe!
Ingredients
To make the best Million Dollar Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground chicken sausage (a great alternative to Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chicken sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Stir until well combined. This creamy mixture is what gives the lasagna its rich, velvety texture.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering your lasagna as follows:
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a generous portion of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.
5. Bake the Lasagna
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
6. Rest & Serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Oven-Ready Noodles: If you’re short on time, oven-ready lasagna noodles save an extra step and still come out perfectly tender.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Customize the Cheese Layer: Try adding a bit of shredded provolone or gouda for extra cheesiness.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or mix in some spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Cooking Tips
To make the most out of your Million Dollar Lasagna, consider these pro tips:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano elevate the flavors.
- Layer Properly: Start and end with sauce to ensure even cooking.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Lasagna pairs well with:
- Garlic bread for a perfect crispy bite
- A fresh green salad to balance the richness
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
- A glass of red wine (if you’re feeling fancy!)
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Calcium: 20% DV
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: Assemble the lasagna but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, covered, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer, use mascarpone cheese for a similar rich texture.
What’s the best way to prevent a watery lasagna?
Be sure to drain excess grease from the meat and use full-fat cheese to prevent excess moisture.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Million Dollar Lasagna, try these other delicious recipes:
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Lasagna is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this indulgent comfort food is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a five-star homemade lasagna experience! 🍽️🔥