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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 59 reviews

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and flavorful Italian classic featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting dish combines ground beef, Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and no-boil lasagna noodles for an easy yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese (half of the 1 cup)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Remaining 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Cook Meats. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meats are fully browned and no longer pink.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs. Stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them by hand for texture. Add chopped oregano along with salt, pepper, and sugar to balance acidity. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Lasagna. Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and topping it with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  7. Bake Covered. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the layers to meld and the cheese to melt thoroughly.
  8. Bake Uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Rest and Serve. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making slicing easier and flavors more cohesive before serving.

Notes

  • No-boil lasagna noodles save time and simplify the preparation without sacrificing texture.
  • You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage according to preference.
  • Simmering the meat sauce enhances the flavor depth; avoid skipping this step for the best results.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it hold together better when serving.
  • Add extra fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top before serving for a fresh touch.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/million-dollar-lasagna-recipe/