Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting layers of a homemade Million Dollar Lasagna. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Every bite is a heavenly mix of flavors, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a way to elevate my usual lasagna. A blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan adds a luxurious creaminess that sets this version apart. Once you try it, you'll see why it's worth every "million dollars" in flavor!

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

Get ready to fall in love with a lasagna that’s unlike any other. This recipe takes traditional lasagna to the next level with its creamy, rich layers and bold flavors.

First off, it’s incredibly decadent and satisfying. The combination of ground beef, sausage, and a creamy cheese mixture creates a perfectly balanced bite every time.

It’s also great for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this lasagna serves a generous portion and reheats beautifully.

Not to mention, it’s easy to make ahead. You can assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Finally, this recipe is super versatile. Swap out the ground beef for turkey, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or add spinach for a veggie-packed twist. There’s no wrong way to make it your own!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to its indulgent taste and texture.

Ground beef and Italian sausage are the stars of the meat sauce. The combination of these two proteins adds depth and richness to the dish. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan create the signature "million-dollar" filling. The cream cheese adds a silky, slightly tangy flavor that blends beautifully with the ricotta and Parmesan. You can also use cottage cheese for a lighter alternative.

Mozzarella cheese gives the lasagna its gooey, melty topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

Lasagna noodles provide the structure for the dish. Traditional noodles work best, but you can also use oven-ready noodles to cut down on prep time.

Finally, you’ll need marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning to round out the flavors. Using a high-quality marinara sauce makes a big difference, or you can make your own from scratch for an extra homemade touch.

How To Make This Million Dollar Lasagna

Creating this mouthwatering lasagna is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.

Start by preparing the meat sauce. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and an egg. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step. Be sure to drain and lay the cooked noodles flat to prevent sticking.

Now it’s time to assemble the lasagna. In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a generous spread of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

Storage Options

Leftover lasagna? No problem! This dish stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

For refrigeration, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through.

For freezing, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Here are a few ways to change it up:

Want a lighter version? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey and use low-fat ricotta and cream cheese.

Looking for a vegetarian option? Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to the sauce.

Need a gluten-free alternative? Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or layer with thinly sliced zucchini in place of pasta.

Want to add some extra flavor? Stir a bit of pesto into the cheese mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a slight kick.

No matter how you customize it, this **Million

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