When it comes to classic comfort foods, Million Dollar Lasagna stands out as one of the most indulgent and satisfying meals you can make. This isn’t just any lasagna it’s a rich, cheesy, and hearty version that will have you craving more after every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to bring joy to your table. Get ready to indulge in layers of seasoned meat, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella all packed into one decadent dish.
What Makes Million Dollar Lasagna So Special?
Why call it Million Dollar Lasagna? Well, the answer is simple each layer is packed with so much flavor, richness, and indulgence that you’ll feel like you’re eating a luxurious meal fit for royalty. The combination of ground beef, Italian turkey sausage, and a blend of three cheeses, along with savory marinara sauce, makes this lasagna a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly filling, meaning everyone will leave the table satisfied.
The best part? The simplicity of the ingredients allows this dish to be prepared without much hassle, but the results are absolutely incredible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Million Dollar Lasagna
Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to create the Million Dollar Lasagna that will wow your family and friends.
Meat Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian turkey sausage (casing removed)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to prepare one of the most beloved dishes around—Million Dollar Lasagna.
Step-by-Step Directions for Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
The first step in making Million Dollar Lasagna is preparing the meat sauce. In a large skillet, over medium heat, combine your ground beef and turkey sausage. Cook them together until browned and cooked through. As the meats cook, break them apart with a spoon, ensuring they cook evenly. The turkey sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the ground beef.
Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma of sautéed onions is the perfect prelude to the layers of flavors in this dish. Next, add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly to release the fragrance and flavor.
Now it’s time to bring the sauce together. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. These ingredients will form the base of the meat sauce, offering depth and richness. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deep, savory taste. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the meat sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the creamy cheese mixture that will add a rich and velvety layer to your Million Dollar Lasagna. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. The egg helps bind the cheese, ensuring that the mixture stays firm while baking.
Once the cheese mixture is well blended, set it aside. This rich mixture will be one of the highlights of your lasagna, bringing both creaminess and a savory flavor to balance the hearty meat sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Million Dollar Lasagna. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking and adds flavor to the base.
Next, place four cooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce. The noodles should cover the bottom evenly, with a little overlap. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover every corner.
After the cheese layer, spread one-third of the meat sauce over the ricotta, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle about one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. The mozzarella melts beautifully, binding everything together and forming a cheesy layer of goodness.
Repeat this process two more times, creating three total layers of noodles, cheese, and meat sauce. For the final layer, top it off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. The more cheese, the better, right?
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Once your lasagna is assembled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake will help the lasagna hold its shape and start melting all the cheese together.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. You’ll know the lasagna is ready when the top layer of cheese is perfectly melted and lightly browned.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Before serving your Million Dollar Lasagna, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness.
Cut the lasagna into squares and serve warm. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Million Dollar Lasagna: A Meal Everyone Will Love
With its perfectly balanced layers of meat, cheese, and pasta, Million Dollar Lasagna is truly the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hearty, rich, and comforting dish that will fill you up without ever leaving you feeling guilty. And because it’s so easy to make, you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal in just a little over an hour.
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a gathering of friends, this lasagna will impress everyone at the table. The best part? It’s a recipe that can easily be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. That means you can prepare it ahead of time and have a fantastic meal ready to go when you need it.
Nutrition Information for Million Dollar Lasagna
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for Million Dollar Lasagna:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
As you can see, this lasagna is a well-rounded meal, providing a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. While it’s a little indulgent, it’s perfect for those special occasions when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a hearty, filling dinner.
FAQs About Million Dollar Lasagna
Can I Make Million Dollar Lasagna in Advance?
Yes! In fact, Million Dollar Lasagna is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time. You can prepare the lasagna in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey. It will still taste delicious and provide a lighter version of Million Dollar Lasagna. You can also adjust the seasoning if you like to balance the flavors according to your preference.
What Can I Serve with Million Dollar Lasagna?
Million Dollar Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms
The richness of the lasagna balances beautifully with lighter, fresh sides, creating a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
How Do I Store Leftover Million Dollar Lasagna?
Leftover Million Dollar Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Leftovers can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Conclusion
There’s a reason why Million Dollar Lasagna is a classic comfort food. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this dish will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and start assembling you’re about to make a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
If you’re looking for more lasagna-inspired dishes, check out these options for a cozy meal:
- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Lasagna – A Cheesy Delight
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna – A Spicy Delight
- Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Bomb Quesadillas Recipe
These dishes will pair perfectly with your Million Dollar Lasagna, bringing even more comfort and flavor to your meals.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna: A Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with layers of savory ground beef, turkey sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, it’s a family favorite that will become a go-to meal. Perfectly cheesy and filling, it’s the ideal dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, turkey sausage, and chopped onion until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Sauces: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer: Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Leftovers can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- Lean Option: For a lighter dish, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the lasagna)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Lasagna, Comfort Food, Lasagna Recipe, Homemade Lasagna, Cheesy Lasagna, Easy Lasagna Recipe, Best Lasagna, Family-Friendly Recipes, Italian Recipes, Meat Lasagna