Introduction
Million Dollar Lasagna is a luxurious and indulgent twist on the classic Italian comfort food. Known for its creamy layers, rich cheese filling, and savory meat sauce, this version of lasagna takes the traditional dish to a whole new level.
Packed with flavor, it’s a favorite for special occasions, family gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extra special.
With layers of pasta, cheese, and a perfectly seasoned sauce, Million Dollar Lasagna is a meal that will impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Lasagna, a traditional Italian dish, dates back to ancient Rome, but it’s believed that the modern version of lasagna, featuring pasta, cheese, and sauce, originated in Italy around the Middle Ages.
Over the years, lasagna recipes evolved and adapted depending on regional ingredients and local tastes.
The “Million Dollar” version of lasagna is a more recent innovation, popularized by American home cooks and food bloggers.
Its origin is often traced to the combination of creamy cheese blends and indulgent ingredients, offering a rich, layered take on a traditional comfort dish.
This variation is now a go-to recipe for those looking to elevate their lasagna experience, making it a centerpiece at dinner parties, holiday feasts, and family dinners.
Ingredients Quantity
To create this indulgent lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles – 12-15 sheets, depending on the size of your pan (preferably no-boil noodles)
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Italian sausage – ½ pound
- Ricotta cheese – 15 ounces
- Cream cheese – 8 ounces (this adds to the creaminess)
- Mozzarella cheese – 3 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
- Eggs – 2, beaten
- Marinara sauce – 4 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh basil – for garnish (optional)
Optional Additions
- Spinach – 1 to 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed (for an extra veggie layer)
- Mushrooms – 1 cup, sautéed (for a hearty, umami addition)
- Red pepper flakes – for a slight kick of heat
- Zucchini – thinly sliced, for added texture and flavor
- Bechamel sauce – for an even richer, creamier texture in place of some of the ricotta
Tips for Success
- Layering: When assembling, ensure each layer is even to create a balanced bite of cheese, sauce, and noodles with every forkful.
- Pre-cook the Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), make sure to cook them al dente and drain them thoroughly.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the lasagna sit for about 15–20 minutes to allow it to set. This helps it slice more cleanly and keeps the layers intact.
- Season as You Go: Taste the meat sauce and cheese mixture as you go, adjusting seasoning to ensure it’s well-balanced and flavorful.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn, and the dish cooks evenly.
- Reheat Leftovers: Leftover lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. It’s often even better the next day!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the noodles: If using traditional noodles, cook them in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step.
- Make the meat sauce: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1 cup of Parmesan, and the beaten eggs. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir until smooth.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Add another layer of sauce, then noodles, followed by cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake the lasagna for 40–45 minutes, covering it with foil for the first 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15–20 minutes before cutting into it. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is an indulgent, cheesy, and savory dish that stands out for its rich layers of flavor.
The creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling, paired with a robust meat sauce and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, creates a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
Each bite is a comforting blend of textures, from the slightly chewy noodles to the gooey cheese and the savory, flavorful sauce.
This lasagna is a perfect example of taking a classic comfort dish and transforming it into something even more decadent and memorable.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 600-700 (depending on serving size)
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Calcium: 20% of daily value
Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the exact ingredients used, especially if you add additional veggies or adjust the cheese content.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, delivering on flavor, texture, and indulgence.
With its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly baked noodles, it offers a decadent meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special celebration, or just because, this lasagna will always be a hit.
Recommendation
To make it even more special, pair Million Dollar Lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Consider making it ahead of time—lasagna often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While Million Dollar Lasagna is undeniably indulgent, there are ways to make it a little healthier without compromising on flavor.
Consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage, or swap some of the cheese for lower-fat versions.
You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to increase the nutritional value.
Additionally, using whole-grain or vegetable-infused pasta will add fiber and nutrients to this otherwise rich dish.
With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a more health-conscious version of this indulgent lasagna while still savoring every bite!