Go Back
+ servings
Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: Comfort Food That Delivers

Experience comfort with Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, featuring layers of savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use vegetable oil if needed.
  • 1 medium Onion Use finely chopped yellow or white onion.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Ground turkey or chicken can be used.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Use mild or hot sausage based on preference.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Opt for whole tomatoes blended if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Can also use sun-dried tomatoes.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Honey or maple syrup can be used sparingly.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh herbs can be used, adjusting quantity.
  • Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste based on preference.
For the Ricotta Layer
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese blended until smooth can work.
  • ½ cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be substituted for a tangy flavor.
  • 1 large Egg For vegan version, use a flax egg.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can be used for dairy-free.
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley Any fresh herb like basil or oregano can be used.
For the Top Layer
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Mixed cheese blends can provide different flavors.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Oven

Method
 

Instructions for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional minute. Add 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then mix in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and season with 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 beaten egg, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering your lasagna by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a portion of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a few pats of butter.
  4. Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and brown for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  5. Once baked, carefully remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the meat sauce to simmer longer if possible for enhanced flavor. Use quality cheese for the richest flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!