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- 12 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce - 15 oz ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. The ground beef and Italian sausage bring rich flavor. Fresh garlic and onion add aroma and depth to your sauce. Marinara sauce is key for that classic taste. Opt for whole-milk ricotta for creaminess in each layer. Don’t skimp on mozzarella and Parmesan; they give the dish its cheesy goodness. Fresh basil leaves for garnish add a burst of color and flavor. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, swap the meats for veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Use lentils for protein. If you are dairy-free, try cashew cheese or tofu. Gluten-free noodles work well instead of regular lasagna noodles. Always check labels to ensure your substitutes fit your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, add the lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them! Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This step keeps them from sticking together. While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Cook until they are browned and fully done. Drain any fat that collects in the skillet. Next, add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the meat. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and clear. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Let this sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to taste. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top, making sure to leave space between them. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Spread it evenly with a fork. Then sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering: add more meat sauce, 4 more noodles, the rest of the ricotta, and another one-third of mozzarella. For the final layer, place the last noodles on top and cover them with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by adding the rest of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious lasagna! To make your lasagna perfect, pay close attention to the layers. Use enough sauce to keep it moist. If the noodles are too dry, the dish can become hard to eat. Always boil the noodles until they are al dente. This helps them hold their shape in the layers. Use quality cheeses for the best flavor. I recommend whole-milk ricotta and fresh mozzarella. These add creaminess and richness. Don't forget to season every layer. A pinch of salt and pepper in the ricotta and sauce makes a big difference. For a beautiful presentation, slice the lasagna with a sharp knife after it cools. This helps keep the layers neat. Serve each slice on a warm plate with a drizzle of marinara sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a lovely touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Consider serving a simple green salad on the side. This adds freshness to the meal. To make this lasagna, you need some key tools. A large pot for boiling noodles is essential. Use a big skillet for cooking the meat and sauce. A 9x13-inch baking dish is perfect for layering. A sharp knife helps cut the lasagna and a spatula is great for serving. An aluminum foil cover is key for the baking process. These tools make the cooking and serving easier. Pro Tips Perfect Noodle Texture: Ensure the lasagna noodles are cooked al dente. They will continue to cook while baking, preventing a mushy texture. Layering Technique: When layering, ensure that you spread each layer evenly to achieve balanced flavors and a consistent texture throughout the lasagna. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting it. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this lasagna. Swap the meat for veggies. Try using zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These will add great flavor and texture. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Add extra marinara sauce to keep it moist. This version is just as hearty and filling! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. There are many good brands available now. Substitute regular cheese with lactose-free options if needed. You can also make your own noodles using almond flour or zucchini slices. This way, you can enjoy the lasagna without gluten. Get creative by adding unique ingredients. Spinach is a great addition for extra nutrition. Just sauté it lightly before layering. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. You can even mix in ricotta cheese with herbs for a twist. Consider adding pesto to the sauce for an exciting flavor change. These twists keep the dish fun and fresh! After enjoying your delicious lasagna, let it cool down. This helps keep the taste fresh. Cover the leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze lasagna, allow it to cool completely first. Cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake until heated through, about 25 minutes. Choose containers that seal tightly. Glass or plastic containers work well. They keep your lasagna fresh and make it easy to see what's inside. If using freezer bags, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you know how long they have been stored. Yes, you can make Million Dollar Italian Lasagna ahead of time. Prepare the lasagna up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for a day. You can also freeze it. Just wrap it well and place it in the freezer. When you are ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake as usual. To check if your lasagna is done, look for golden, bubbly cheese on top. Insert a knife in the center. If it goes in easily and feels hot, it’s ready. Also, the edges should be slightly crisp. Let it cool for about ten minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Pair your lasagna with a fresh salad for a colorful meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. It complements the flavors and adds crunch. You might also like a side of steamed veggies. They add color and nutrients to your plate. For drinks, a nice red wine or sparkling water can enhance the meal. This blog post covered all you need to know about making Million Dollar Lasagna. We explored the key ingredients and how to substitute them for your diet. The step-by-step instructions ensured you can cook the perfect meal with ease. Plus, tips helped you nail the presentation. You also learned exciting variations to keep this dish fresh. Lastly, proper storage and reheating tips will keep your leftovers tasty. I hope you feel confident to create a delicious lasagna that impresses everyone!

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

A rich and hearty lasagna layered with meat, cheese, and marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 noodles lasagna
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's fully heated before baking the lasagna.
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until both are browned and cooked through, breaking them apart with a spatula as they cook. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meats. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to taste.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix well with a fork until smooth and creamy.
  • Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, leaving a little space between each noodle.
  • Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  • Repeat the layering by adding another portion of meat sauce, followed by 4 more lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  • For the final layer, place the last 4 noodles over the top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
  • Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve slices on individual plates with a drizzle of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Keyword cheese, Italian, lasagna, meat, pasta