Name: Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef (80/20 for richness); 350 g Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 700 ml marinara sauce; 400 ml tomato sauce; 60 g tomato paste; 15 g granulated sugar; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried basil; 1.5 tsp fennel seeds (optional); 1.5 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 225 g cream cheese, softened; 450 g whole milk ricotta cheese; 120 g sour cream (full-fat); 1 large egg; 60 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded; 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried); 1.5 tsp garlic powder; 12 lasagna noodles (standard, uncooked weight approx. 250 g); 250 g mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping; 40 g Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dish that is sure to impress both family and friends, Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is the ultimate solution. This rich and hearty lasagna is a classic comfort food brimming with layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella. What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a stand-out main dish for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Not only is it delicious, but its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The secret to achieving a Million Dollar Italian Lasagna lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful layering technique. Each component is designed to complement the others, resulting in a velvety, mouth-watering experience. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a casual family get-together, or just making a weeknight meal extra special, this lasagna will undoubtedly be a hit. Its generous portions ensure everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied, truly embodying the idea of sharing love through food.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Layered Perfection: The unique layering of ingredients creates a delightful mixture of flavors and textures in every bite.
Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it perfect for family dinners.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready to eat.
Comfort Food: There’s nothing like a warm, cheesy lasagna to evoke feelings of comfort and contentment.
Great for Leftovers: The dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for days afterward!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the world of layers and flavors, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna turns out perfect. Start by gathering all your ingredients to set yourself up for success. Make sure your kitchen is clean and organized, allowing you to move efficiently while baking.

Essential tools you’ll need include:

A large skillet for browning the meat and developing the flavors of the sauce.
A medium-sized mixing bowl for blending the creamy cheese filling.
A large pot to boil the lasagna noodles.
A baking dish (approximately 23 x 33 cm) to house your layered masterpiece.
A spatula and a ladle are handy for spreading your sauces and cheese filling evenly.

Ingredients

500 g ground beef (80/20 for richness)
350 g Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
700 ml marinara sauce
400 ml tomato sauce
60 g tomato paste
15 g granulated sugar
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1.5 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
1.5 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
225 g cream cheese, softened
450 g whole milk ricotta cheese
120 g sour cream (full-fat)
1 large egg
60 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
1.5 tsp garlic powder
12 lasagna noodles (standard, uncooked weight approx. 250 g)
250 g mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping
40 g Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef alongside the Italian sausage—breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Aim for a rich brown color on the meat, as this adds layers of flavor to your sauce. When the meat is well browned, incorporate the chopped onion, stirring gently until it softens and releases its fragrant aroma, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to let the garlic infuse the mix.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Once the meat is browned, it’s time to create that luscious sauce. Add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, and fennel seeds (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let this mixture simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld together and thicken beautifully, resulting in a rich, fragrant sauce.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ricotta. Mix them together until they reach a smooth consistency. Incorporate in the sour cream, egg, finely grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, parsley, and garlic powder. Blend until it’s fully incorporated and creamy—this filling is going to add a wonderful richness to your lasagna.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil a large pot of salted water and add the lasagna noodles. Follow the package instructions to cook them until they are just al dente, typically around 9 minutes. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean towel or parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Now comes the fun part—layering! Spread a generous layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Then, arrange four lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over this layer of noodles, followed by a third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the process: another layer of noodles, remaining cheese filling, and another third of the sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the last bit of meat sauce.

Step 6: Add the Topping

For a comforting, cheesy topping, sprinkle the final layer with 250 g of shredded mozzarella and 40 g of grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure to cover the edges evenly to prevent burning and ensure an even melt.

Step 7: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil, ensuring it’s tented to keep the cheese from sticking to the cover. Bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly, with the sauce bubbling at the edges—a sure sign of deliciousness.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

After finishing baking, let your lasagna rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to settle and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley prior to serving for an added touch of color and freshness.

Variations

Protein: Swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetables: Add layers of sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and flavor complexity.
Spices: Experiment with different spices such as crushed red pepper flakes for heat or a hint of smoked paprika for depth.

Cooking Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your sauces are gluten-free as well.
This lasagna can be made ahead of time; simply assemble and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the lasagna.
Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete Italian meal experience.

Tips

For a more robust flavor, let your meat sauce simmer for longer to deepen its complexity.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it makes a significant difference in how well the lasagna holds its shape when served.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 560
Protein: 36 g
Sodium: 720 mg

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover it well, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Absolutely! You can freeze it either before or after baking. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn and consume within three months.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a vegan alternative made from blended firm tofu for a similar texture.

Is the fennel necessary?

The fennel adds a depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with a pinch of anise seeds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around the dining table. With its multiple layers of flavor and comfort, this dish will certainly become a family favorite for years to come. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the variations, making it your own signature dish that can adapt to ingredients you have on hand. We encourage you to try it out, share your experience in the comments, and appreciate the joy that cooking can bring to your home. Let the aroma of this lasagna waft through your kitchen, and get ready for smiles all around!