Why Make This Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that will make your next family dinner or gathering a hit. With layers of delicious meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, this dish is rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a large group or meal prepping for the week. The combination of flavors and textures makes this lasagna truly special.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 package (8 oz) lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Add a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, meat sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with meat sauce.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Serve Million Dollar Lasagna hot from the oven. Cut it into squares and place on plates. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna

To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the lasagna. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

• Use a mix of ground meats for extra flavor, such as combining ground turkey or chicken with beef and sausage.
• For a rich taste, add a bit of wine to the meat sauce while it’s simmering.
• You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
• Make sure to let the lasagna rest before cutting, as this helps it set and makes serving easier.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the meats with cooked vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use a marinara sauce without meat to keep it completely vegetarian.

FAQs

1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles can save time, and you’ll use them just like regular noodles. They will absorb moisture while baking.

3. How can I make the lasagna spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce to give it more heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.