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To make a Million Dollar Lasagna, you need the following ingredients: - 12 lasagna noodles - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 28 ounces crushed tomatoes - 15 ounces ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a key role in building rich layers of flavor. The lasagna noodles serve as the base. The olive oil helps to sauté the onions and garlic, adding depth. Ground beef and Italian sausage give the dish its hearty flavor. Crushed tomatoes provide a juicy sauce that binds everything together. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella brings that gooey goodness we love. Parmesan cheese gives a sharp finish that elevates the dish. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness. Dried oregano gives an extra layer of Italian flair. Using quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference. This lasagna is not just a meal; it's a celebration on a plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the lasagna bakes evenly. Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the 12 lasagna noodles. Cook them until they are al dente, which means they should be soft but still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool. This helps them not stick together. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté these until the onion is clear, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Break them up as they cook, and let them brown thoroughly. You may need to drain some fat after cooking. Next, stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, along with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Allow this to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This step lets all the flavors blend well together. In a separate bowl, mix 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Don’t forget to add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir this until everything is well blended, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. This cheesy mixture will add a rich flavor to your lasagna. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Next, place 4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of your ricotta mixture over the noodles. Then, sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers: more noodles, more ricotta, more meat sauce, and more cheese. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the Parmesan. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps steam the lasagna while it bakes. Place it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden. Once done, let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting it into squares. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Lasagna! To make your Million Dollar Lasagna look gourmet, focus on the plating. Use a large, white plate to show off the layers. Cut clean squares and place them neatly in the center. Drizzle some sauce around the edges for color. For garnishing, fresh herbs bring brightness. Use chopped basil or parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. You can also add a few whole leaves for a fresh look. Want to take your lasagna up a notch? Consider adding gourmet ingredients. Truffles can add a rich, earthy taste. A drizzle of truffle oil before serving makes it fancy. You can also use lobster for a seafood twist. Just make sure to cook it lightly. This gives your dish a unique flavor that impresses guests. Watch out for these common mistakes. First, do not overcook the noodles. They should be al dente, firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy in the oven. Next, avoid layering too heavily. Each layer should have enough sauce and cheese. If you pile it on, the dish may not cook evenly. Each bite should be a perfect mix of flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavor of your lasagna significantly. Don't skip them for a more vibrant taste! Layer with Care: Ensure even distribution of the meat sauce and cheese mixture in each layer for a cohesive flavor throughout the dish. Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor profile in your lasagna. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, you can swap the meat for tasty veggies. Use ingredients like: - 1 pound of mushrooms, chopped - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 cup of spinach, chopped These options add flavor and texture. You can also use sauces like a rich marinara or a creamy alfredo. Both sauces work great with the cheese and noodles. For a seafood twist, try adding lobster or shrimp. You can use about: - 1 pound of cooked lobster meat, chopped - 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined Add these in the meat sauce step. Cook until the shrimp is pink. This version cooks faster, so keep an eye on it. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free noodles. Many brands offer great choices. Look for: - Brown rice noodles - Quinoa noodles These noodles work well. You might need to adjust the cooking time. Follow the package instructions closely. This way, your lasagna will still taste amazing and be celiac-friendly. After enjoying your Million Dollar Lasagna, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the lasagna to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. If you want to freeze lasagna, it’s best to do this before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This protects it from freezer burn. For cooked lasagna, let it cool first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. You can also cover it with foil to keep it moist. In the fridge, Million Dollar Lasagna lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember, the longer it stays frozen, the more it may lose flavor. Always use your senses to check if it’s still good to eat. This lasagna earns its name from high-quality ingredients. The rich blend of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth. The creamy ricotta cheese mixed with fresh herbs gives it a luxurious taste. Also, the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a cheesy topping that melts perfectly. These premium ingredients combine for a flavor you won’t forget. Yes, you can prepare this lasagna in advance. Simply assemble the layers, then cover it tightly with foil. You can store it in the fridge for one day before baking. To bake, just add about 10 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you save time on busy days while still enjoying a fresh meal. To reheat lasagna, cover it with foil. This keeps moisture in during reheating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. You can add a splash of water to the dish for extra steam. This helps keep the lasagna moist and delicious. Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones. Use one-third of the amount if you swap. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, use about 2 teaspoons of dried. Dried herbs have a stronger flavor, so be careful not to overpower the dish. This blog post covered how to make a delicious million-dollar lasagna. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. Remember to properly layer your ingredients for the best flavor. Don't shy away from trying the variations, like vegetarian or seafood options. With these tips, your lasagna will impress everyone. Happy cooking!

Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and hearty lasagna layered with meat, cheese, and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 12 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
  • In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, basil, parsley, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese until well combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella cheese, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and the remaining Parmesan on top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Let the lasagna cool before serving for easier slicing.
Keyword Italian, lasagna, pasta