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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 94 reviews

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, comforting Italian-American classic featuring layers of no-boil noodles, a savory meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all perfectly baked to bubbly perfection. This lasagna delivers hearty flavor with fresh herbs and a hint of sweetness from tomatoes, making it an irresistible family favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Other

  • 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
  3. Cook Meats: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them by hand to break apart. Add chopped oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
  6. Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with 4 no-boil noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture and then a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and cheeses.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt evenly.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and enhanced flavors.

Notes

  • Using no-boil noodles saves prep time but ensure the sauce is sufficiently moist for proper noodle cooking.
  • Adjust the level of Italian sausage spice to your preference; opt for mild if you prefer less heat.
  • Simmering the sauce longer can intensify flavors if time permits.
  • Leftover lasagna can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps keep the layers intact and easier to serve.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/million-dollar-lasagna-recipe/