Go Back

Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and comforting lasagna featuring layers of creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and lots of melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef For rich flavor.
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage For depth and seasoning.
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes Use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 medium onion Chopped.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste For added richness.
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper To taste.
  • 1 tsp sugar To balance acidity.
Ricotta mixture
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta For a creamy layer.
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan Adds sharpness.
  • 1 large egg To help set the layer.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil Chopped.
  • 2 tbsp cream or milk Make the mixture spreadable.
  • 1 tsp salt To taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper To taste.
Layering
  • 9 oz no-boil lasagna noodles Makes preparation easier.
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella For melting on top.
  • 2 tbsp butter Dabs on top for richness.

Method
 

Preparing the Sauce
  1. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  3. Let the sauce simmer until thick, about 20-25 minutes.
Making the Ricotta Mixture
  1. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, parsley/basil, cream/milk, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
Layering the Lasagna
  1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Place the first layer of no-boil noodles on top.
  3. Add a generous layer of meat sauce, followed by spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkling of mozzarella.
  4. Repeat the layers twice, finishing with noodles topped by a layer of meat sauce and remaining mozzarella.
Baking the Lasagna
  1. Cover the pan with foil, tented slightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is browned.
  4. Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for future use. Allow extra cooking time when baking from cold or frozen.