Go Back
–+ servings
Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna That Will Wow Your Guests

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a rich, comforting dish filled with layers of flavor that will impress your guests and make for fantastic leftovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can replace with lean turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Mild Italian Sausage Hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
  • 1 Onion, chopped Use finely chopped for best distribution.
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced Minced garlic works best for even flavor dispersion.
  • 28 oz San Marzano Tomatoes Any high-quality canned tomatoes will suffice in a pinch.
  • 15 oz Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Italian Seasoning to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture
  • 16 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Fresh cottage cheese can be used for a lower-fat option.
  • 1 Egg
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Parsley, chopped
For the Lasagna Assembly
  • 9 oz Lasagna Noodles Fresh, oven-ready, or boiled noodles are options.
  • 4 cups Freshly Shredded Mozzarella Low-moisture mozzarella for a firmer texture.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Balances acidity in the sauce.
  • Crushed Red Pepper to taste Adds warmth for those who enjoy a kick.
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh Basil Adds freshness and aroma to the finished dish.

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, browning for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes. Add San Marzano tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and seasonings. Simmer for at least 30 minutes until thickened.
  2. Mix the Ricotta Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until creamy, adjusting with milk if too thick.
  3. Prepare Noodles: If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.
  4. Layer the Lasagna: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread meat sauce, followed by noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Rest: Let lasagna rest for 20-25 minutes before serving to help layers set.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for best results, allow the sauce to thicken properly, and let the lasagna rest before serving for easier slicing.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!