How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Making Million Dollar Lasagna is as enjoyable as eating it! Follow these simple, detailed steps to bring this indulgent dish to life. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

First things first, let’s create the flavorful base of this lasagna: the meat sauce.

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage until fully browned. Use a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
2. Add the Aromatics: Toss in 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes). The garlic will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma!
3. Add the Sauces: Stir in 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce and 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Pro Tip: Want an extra kick of flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

Now for the “million-dollar” magic – the creamy cheese layer!

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
   • 2 cups of ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
   • 1 package (8 oz) of softened cream cheese
   • 1/2 cup of sour cream
   • 1 large egg
   • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
2. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the secret to your lasagna’s luxurious texture!

Step 3: Preheat and Assemble

It’s time to bring everything together!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layering:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles (or no-boil noodles if you prefer).
   • Spread 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Add a layer of meat sauce.
   • Repeat this process (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) two more times.
3. Final Touch: For the top layer, add 3 noodles, cover them with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Pro Tip: Avoid overloading the layers – thin, even layers ensure the lasagna cooks perfectly.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese layer (to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
4. Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for neat slices and allows the flavors to settle.

Pro Tip: Use a toothpick to check the noodles’ doneness – it should go through easily without resistance.

Tips for Success

1. Avoid Dry Layers: Make sure every layer of noodles is completely covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out.
2. Perfect Cheese Melt: Shred your mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese for a creamier, more even melt.
3. Timing Is Everything: Letting the lasagna rest after baking is just as important as the baking itself. This helps it firm up and makes slicing much easier.
4. Don’t Skip Simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer brings out the depth of flavors, elevating the entire dish.

With these steps and tips, you’re well on your way to serving a Million Dollar Lasagna that will wow your family and friends. Let the layering fun begin, and get ready for a dish that tastes just as indulgent as its name!

How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna

Once you’ve made your Million Dollar Lasagna, you’ll want to enjoy it for as long as possible. Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead, here’s how to store it properly.

At Room Temperature

Lasagna can sit at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours after baking. Any longer, and it risks becoming unsafe to eat. If you’re hosting, keep it warm by placing it in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F/93°C) until ready to serve.

Pro Tip: If you’re not serving it immediately, cover it loosely with foil to retain moisture.

In the Refrigerator

To keep your lasagna fresh for up to 4 days, follow these steps:

1. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating.
2. Store it in an airtight container or tightly wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap or foil.
3. When ready to reheat, bake individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave them on medium power to avoid drying out.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating to keep the layers moist and flavorful.

Freezing Tips

Lasagna is a freezer-friendly superstar! Here’s how to freeze it:

Before Baking:

1. Assemble the lasagna as directed but stop before baking.
2. Wrap the dish tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
3. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of bake time.

After Baking:

1. Let the lasagna cool completely.
2. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
3. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) or microwave on low power until warmed through.

Pro Tip: For the best texture, freezing before baking is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, follow the original instructions. If it’s straight from the fridge, you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

How do I make a vegetarian version?

Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for hearty vegetables like:

• Zucchini or eggplant: Slice thin and roast first to reduce moisture.
• Mushrooms: Sauté them to add depth of flavor.
• Spinach: Add it to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.
  You can also use plant-based meat alternatives to mimic the classic texture.

What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?

To keep your lasagna moist while reheating:

• Oven Method: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave Method: Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals.
  Adding a splash of marinara or a sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating can elevate the flavor.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up! Use a larger baking dish or prepare two separate 9×13-inch pans. Keep the layering thin for even cooking, and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe, you might enjoy these other delicious dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• Lasagna Soup: A comforting twist on classic lasagna in soup form.
• Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Bolognese: A rich, flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy, cheesy pasta packed with bold flavors.
• Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole: A low-carb casserole bursting with flavor.
• Cozy Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of lasagna in a hearty, warming soup.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the creamy cheese layers to the hearty meat sauce, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or an ordinary weeknight, this dish is sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions, make-ahead tips, and freezing options to fit your lifestyle. Once you’ve tried it, share your creation with friends and family – and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out!

Ready to make your lasagna dreams come true? Grab those ingredients and get started today!

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and indulgent lasagna recipe with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• For the Pasta Layer:
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef and sausage. Add onions, garlic, marinara, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Make the Cheese Mixture: Mix ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella until smooth.
• Assemble: Layer the meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella.
• Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Rest: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional mozzarella before reheating leftovers

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: ~580
• Sugar: 7g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g

Keywords: Best lasagna recipe, creamy lasagna, cheesy lasagna, meat lasagna