Lasagna is one of those meals that feels like home. Whether it’s served at a bustling family dinner, a cozy Sunday supper, or a holiday gathering, it always delivers on comfort and flavor. But this Million-Dollar Lasagna recipe? It’s next-level. With rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of bubbling mozzarella, this dish lives up to its luxurious name—without requiring a culinary degree to pull off.

If you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat your family to a soul-satisfying classic, this is the lasagna recipe for you. Packed with flavor and layered with love, it’s the kind of dish that becomes a legend in your household.

Who Should Make This Recipe?

This recipe is perfect for:

• Home cooks wanting a no-fail, crowd-pleasing dinner.
• Meal preppers who love hearty leftovers that taste even better the next day.
• Holiday hosts aiming to serve a show-stopping baked pasta dish.
• Anyone craving classic Italian-American comfort food done right.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this lasagna gives you chef-level results with simple, everyday ingredients.

What Makes It a “Million-Dollar” Lasagna?

While the term “million-dollar” might make you think this lasagna is complicated or over-the-top, it’s actually about how rich, satisfying, and luxurious each bite feels. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Double meat: Ground beef and Italian sausage create a deeply flavorful base.
• Red wine infusion: Optional, but adds rich complexity to the sauce.
• Creamy ricotta blend: With Parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
• Bubbly mozzarella topping: Perfectly melted, golden, and gooey.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Ideal for batch cooking or future meals.

Ingredient Breakdown

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef – A classic base for hearty texture and flavor.
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage – Adds spice and fat for richness.
• 1 onion, chopped – Brings aromatic depth.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Essential for bold Italian flavor.
• 2 cans (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – The foundation of the sauce.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste – For thickness and concentrated tomato flavor.
• 1 tbsp each dried oregano and basil – Classic herbs for Italian seasoning.
• Salt and pepper – To balance the flavors.
• ½ cup red wine (optional) – Deepens the sauce’s flavor profile.

Ricotta Filling

• 15 oz ricotta cheese – Creamy and slightly tangy.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the filling.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil – For fresh herbaceous brightness.
• Salt and pepper – To season the mixture.

For Assembly

• 12–15 lasagna noodles – Use no-boil for easier layering.
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, cheesy top.
• Fresh basil – Optional garnish, but beautiful and aromatic.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for draining meat)
• Knife and cutting board

How to Make Million-Dollar Lasagna

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and salt and pepper. If using red wine, pour it in now. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, to let all the flavors come together.

2. Make the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley or basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down your first layer of lasagna noodles (no-boil noodles go on dry).

Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella. Add another layer of meat sauce.

Repeat this process once more: noodles → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce.

Top with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake the Lasagna

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. (Tip: spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking.)

Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
• Freezer: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake (add 10–15 extra minutes baking time if baking from cold).

Easy Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Creamy Upgrade: Stir a bit of béchamel sauce into the ricotta mixture for even more richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Low-Carb: Swap noodles for grilled zucchini slices.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Million-Dollar Lasagna with:

• Garlic bread – A must for sopping up all that delicious sauce.
• Caesar or arugula salad – To balance the richness of the dish.
• Red wine – Chianti, Merlot, or Zinfandel complement the savory sauce perfectly.
• Sparkling water with lemon – For a non-alcoholic palate cleanser.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in a 1:1 ratio. It will be slightly lighter and tangier.

Do I have to use red wine in the sauce?
Not at all! It’s optional. You can substitute with beef broth or simply leave it out.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts more evenly and has a creamier texture.

Should I cook no-boil noodles beforehand?
No. No-boil noodles are designed to cook in the sauce as the lasagna bakes.

How many servings does this make?
This lasagna serves about 8–10 generous portions, depending on how thickly you slice it.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

Million-Dollar Lasagna isn’t just a name—it’s a promise. A promise of deeply satisfying flavors, layers of cheesy goodness, and a recipe that feels as comforting as a hug from Nonna. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, one bubbling pan at a time.

So whether it’s your first time making lasagna from scratch or you’re a seasoned kitchen pro, this version delivers everything you crave—and then some.

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Mangia! 🍷🇮🇹🧀