Million Dollar Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Few dishes evoke warmth, comfort, and indulgence quite like this Million Dollar Lasagna. With its rich layers of meaty marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or just a cozy night in, this dish promises smiles and second helpings every time.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a go-to lasagna recipe to keep in your repertoire, this Million Dollar Lasagna checks all the boxes. Its bold flavors, indulgent textures, and classic Italian essence make it a true showstopper.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A tantalizing blend of savory meats, herbaceous tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses with hints of garlic and spices.
- Texture: Perfectly layered pasta with velvety ricotta, melty mozzarella, and slightly crunchy golden Parmesan on top.
- Aroma: The intoxicating scents of garlic, basil, and oregano fill the kitchen as it bakes.
- Visual Appeal: Each slice reveals layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbly caramelized cheese.
- Skill Level Needed: Moderate skills required for layering and timing.
- Special Equipment: A 9×13-inch baking dish, large skillet, and mixing bowls.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Moderate – while the process does require a few steps, everything is straightforward with no advanced techniques. Preparation is manageable for most home cooks.
- Category: Main Course – perfect for dinners, special occasions, or as a meal-prepping option.
- Cuisine: Italian-American – inspired by traditional Italian lasagna but enhanced with a creamy twist that defines its “Million Dollar” status.
- Cost: Approximately $20-$25 for 12 servings, making it an affordable yet decadent meal.
- Season: Great for any time of year, but especially comforting during fall and winter.
- Occasion: Family dinners, potlucks, celebrations, or meal prep for a busy week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a celebration of flavors and textures that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. The hearty meat sauce has just the right balance of spice and sweetness from marinara, making every bite deeply satisfying. The creamy layer of ricotta, elevated with a touch of fresh parsley, adds softness that balances the boldness of the meats and the tanginess of the Parmesan.
Preparing this dish is a great way to unleash your creativity – from layering the noodles to perfecting its presentation. It’s highly adaptable, meaning you can tweak it for dietary preferences or available ingredients. And let’s not forget the aroma; the smell of garlic, basil, and bubbling cheese wafting through your home is the edible definition of comfort.
Nutritionally, it’s packed with protein from the meat and cheese, offering a hearty and filling option for feeding a crowd. And, importantly, it’s economical—when feeding a large group, this recipe offers maximum crowd-pleasing appeal at minimal cost.
The Recipe
Million Dollar Lasagna
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 48 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil and set aside.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet. Mix in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley, and egg. Mix until well combined and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 4 lasagna noodles.
- Layer half the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour 1/3 cup of heavy cream over the cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with more meat sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the cheeses, and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Finish with a final layer of noodles and remaining meat sauce, cheese, and cream.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can use no-boil lasagna noodles if preferred, adjusting the bake time slightly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
- This lasagna freezes beautifully; simply cool, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Watery lasagna: Ensure you’ve drained the noodles well and allow the meat sauce to simmer long enough to reduce excess liquid.
- Undercooked noodles: Follow the package instructions closely, or use no-boil noodles if looking for a time-saving option.
- Cheese not melting: Ensure an even distribution and allow the top layer to broil slightly at the end if necessary.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear how your Million Dollar Lasagna turns out! Share your creations on social media with #MillionDollarLasagna or leave a comment below with any questions, tips, or reviews. Let’s spread the love of comfort food together!