Million Dollar Lasagna

$- 12 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 28 ounces crushed tomatoes - 15 ounces ricotta cheese - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried) - 2 teaspoons oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients work together to make a rich and tasty lasagna. The blend of beef and sausage gives depth to the flavor. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano add a bright touch. Use high-quality cheeses for the best taste. The lasagna noodles hold everything together. Cook them just right so they remain firm. The crushed tomatoes form a lovely sauce that binds the layers. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and richness. Don’t forget the egg! It helps the ricotta blend well. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Olive oil adds a smooth texture and richness to the meat sauce. Gather these ingredients to create a dish your family will love. Each bite will feel like a million dollars! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook 12 lasagna noodles to al dente, then drain and set aside. - In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until soft. - Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Cook until browned. - Drain excess fat from the skillet. - Stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, 2 teaspoons of oregano, salt, and pepper. - Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. - Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. - Spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. - Add a sprinkle of 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. - Repeat these layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella until you use all ingredients. - Finish with a final layer of meat sauce topped with remaining mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil does not touch the cheese. - Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps with easy serving. To get the best lasagna, let it cool before slicing. This helps the layers set. When you cut into hot lasagna, it can fall apart. A little wait makes it easier to serve. Use high-quality ingredients for that "million-dollar" taste. Fresh herbs, good cheese, and quality meat make a big difference. For the ricotta, choose a creamy brand. The flavor shines through in every bite. Make your lasagna look great when you serve it. Garnish each slice with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and a nice touch. Pair your lasagna with tasty sides. Garlic bread is always a hit. A fresh salad with crisp greens balances the meal well. These sides make your dinner special. Pro Tips Cook Noodles Al Dente: Cooking your lasagna noodles just until al dente ensures they won't become mushy when baked. They will absorb some moisture during baking, so a firmer texture is ideal. Layering Technique: When layering, make sure to cover every noodle with sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking. This helps create a moist and flavorful lasagna. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner cuts when serving. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like provolone or gouda with the mozzarella for added flavor. Experimenting with cheese can elevate your lasagna to the next level! {{image_2}} You can make a vegetarian version of Million Dollar Lasagna easily. Start by swapping out the meat for vegetables. Use veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These add great flavor and texture. You can also try spinach for extra nutrients. Next, think about the cheese. You can mix different types to give your lasagna a unique taste. A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and goat cheese works well. This mix adds creaminess and depth. Want to elevate your lasagna? Try adding gourmet ingredients. A drizzle of truffle oil can make a big difference. It adds a rich, earthy taste that is hard to resist. Consider using gourmet cheeses like Gruyère or fontina. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a sophisticated touch. You can also include unique ingredients. Spinach and mushrooms blend well and boost the flavor. Roasted red peppers can add a sweet kick. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what you love! To keep your Million Dollar Lasagna fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing. - Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. - Place in the fridge. This keeps the flavors intact. - Leftovers are best eaten within 3 to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. - First, let the lasagna cool completely. - Cut it into pieces for easy storage. - Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. - Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Label with the date to track freshness. - To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. - Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 25 minutes. This way, you can enjoy your lasagna any time! Million Dollar Lasagna gets its name from the rich flavors and fresh ingredients. The blend of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a hearty sauce. The creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella add a smooth texture. Using fresh herbs like basil and oregano brings out bright flavors. Each bite tastes gourmet, like a restaurant dish. Yes, you can prepare this lasagna ahead of time. Assemble it in your baking dish, then cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze it for later. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This makes meal prep easy and stress-free. If you need a ricotta substitute, try cottage cheese. It has a similar texture and flavor. For a vegan option, use blended tofu or a store-bought vegan ricotta. Both choices work well in the lasagna. They keep the dish creamy and delicious without the dairy. Leftover lasagna lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If you notice either, it’s best to throw it away to stay safe. This blog outlines how to make a delicious Million Dollar Lasagna. You learned about the essential ingredients and the step-by-step process to prepare it. I shared tips to enhance your dish and variations to try. Remember, letting the lasagna cool improves slicing. By using high-quality ingredients, you can really impress your guests. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. Now, get cooking and treat yourself to a wonderful meal! Enjoy the fruits of your labor and share it with friends and family.$

Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and hearty lasagna layered with meat, cheese, and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the final layer of meat sauce.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Notes

Serve slices garnished with fresh basil leaves on top and a side of garlic bread.

Keyword Italian, lasagna, pasta