Secret Million Dollar Lasagna RecipeLasagna is a beloved classic, but have you ever tried a recipe that elevates the dish to a whole new level? The Secret Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of rich, hearty sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. This lasagna will leave you wondering what makes it so special—let me share that secret with you!
Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese mixture:
1 lb ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
For the noodles:
12 lasagna noodles (either traditional or no-boil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to develop and thicken.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of noodles on top. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles and sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
Cover with foil (to prevent sticking, either spray the foil with cooking spray or use parchment paper). Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for that extra touch of flavor and color.
Why This Lasagna is “Million Dollar” Worthy:
The magic behind this lasagna lies in the rich layers of cheese, the perfectly seasoned sauce, and the tender noodles. With a balance of hearty beef, zesty sauce, and creamy cheese, this lasagna recipe is guaranteed to impress. The addition of ricotta and Parmesan gives it a luxurious texture, while the mozzarella brings the perfect stringiness.
Tips for the Best Lasagna:
Make Ahead: This lasagna is even better the next day. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Meat Options: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
Extra Cheese: Add more cheese on top if you like extra gooey, cheesy goodness.
Freezing: This lasagna freezes wonderfully. Wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months for a quick dinner option
Secret Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
