Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of sizzling garlic fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel the warmth of tradition envelop me. This Friday, I decided to whip up a comforting dish that embodies home-cooked love: Million Dollar Italian Lasagna. With its rich, savory layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned pro, this gluten-free recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep, ensuring you’ll impress even the pickiest eaters. Next time you’re in need of a hearty meal, wouldn’t you want to dive into a slice of this heavenly comfort food? Why is This Lasagna So Irresistible? Unforgettable Flavor: Each bite of this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a delightful combination of rich beef and zesty Italian sausage, creating a robust sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Creamy Indulgence: The layers of creamy ricotta mixed with tangy sour cream balance perfectly with gooey mozzarella, making it a truly comforting experience. Gluten-Free Option: Transform your dinner table with ease; this recipe is adaptable for gluten-free noodles, ensuring everyone can enjoy. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this dish is both beginner-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it makes for perfect meal prep! Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, this lasagna is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for more. Looking for more delicious ideas? Try pairing it with a refreshing Italian Cream Soda or serving it alongside a warm bowl of Bruschetta Dip Italian for an authentic feast experience! Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Ingredients For the Meat Sauce • Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté aromatic vegetables; any neutral oil can work too. • Onion (finely chopped) – Enhances flavor as a base for the sauce; shallots can be used for a milder taste. • Garlic (minced) – Provides aromatic depth to the meat sauce; garlic powder is a quick substitute. • Ground Beef – Adds protein and heartiness to the dish; ground turkey can be a leaner option. • Italian Sausage – Infuses the sauce with spices and additional flavor; a homemade spice blend could be an interesting twist. • Crushed Tomatoes – Forms the base of the meat sauce; opt for quality canned tomatoes for best flavor. • Tomato Paste – Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor; if unavailable, double the crushed tomatoes. • Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; honey or maple syrup can offer a natural sweetness. • Dried Basil – Adds a fragrant herb note; Italian seasoning is a great substitute. • Italian Seasoning – Mix of herbs that complements the sauce; adjust to fit your taste preferences. • Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings for flavor; always adjust to your liking. For the Ricotta Layer • Ricotta Cheese – Contributes creaminess and richness to the lasagna; cottage cheese blended until smooth may be used instead. • Sour Cream – Adds tang and extra creaminess; cream cheese will also enrich the mixture. • Egg – Binds the ricotta mixture for a better texture; omit or use a flax egg for an egg-free version. • Grated Parmesan – Adds umami and a salty flavor layer; substituting with Pecorino Romano offers a sharper taste. • Chopped Parsley – Freshens up the ricotta layer; you could use basil or spinach instead. For Layering • Lasagna Noodles – Provide structure to the dish; choose no-boil noodles for convenience or traditional for authenticity. • Shredded Mozzarella – Melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping; cheddar or Monterey Jack can be fun alternatives. • Melted Butter – Used for brushing the top for a golden color; this is optional but creates a delightful crispy crust. With these essential ingredients, your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna will not only cater to gluten-free needs but also bring comfort and joy to your family gatherings. Enjoy crafting this delicious dish! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Step 1: Prepare Meat Sauce Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for another minute. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage, browning the meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep your sauce nice and rich. Step 2: Add Ingredients With the meat browned, stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat to a simmer and let your meat sauce cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to melt together beautifully while keeping it covered for a thicker consistency. Step 3: Ricotta Mixture While your meat sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta layer in a bowl. Combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1 cup of sour cream, 1 large egg, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency, which will lend creaminess to your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna when layered in. Set this mixture aside. Step 4: Layering Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Start layering by spreading a thin layer of your meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles and sauce topped with mozzarella. Step 5: Bake Cover the lasagna tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top. This gorgeous bubbling is your cue to let your creation shine! Step 6: Rest and Serve Once baked to perfection, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period is essential for the layers to set properly, ensuring each slice holds together beautifully. After resting, slice into this dreamy Million Dollar Italian Lasagna and serve with your favorite side or salad. What to Serve with Million Dollar Italian Lasagna As you prepare to savor a slice of this culinary masterpiece, consider how to elevate your meal further with delightful accompaniments. Garlic Bread: The buttery, crispy goodness complements the rich layers of the lasagna, soaking up every drop of sauce. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy lasagna, brightening up your plate. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and charred veggies add a hearty, nutritious side, balancing the indulgence of the lasagna beautifully. Italian Cream Soda: This bubbly drink, flavored with fresh fruits, brings a whimsical touch to the meal, perfect for family gatherings. Tiramisu: Finish on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert; its coffee and cocoa notes blend seamlessly with the hearty flavors of the lasagna. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned spears add a lovely pop of green and crunch, enhancing the meal with fresh textures without overpowering the lasagna. Pesto Bruschetta: Toast topped with fresh basil, tomatoes, and pesto provides a vibrant appetizer, teasing your palate before the main dish arrives. Expert Tips for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Make Ahead Magic: Prepare your lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Just remember to add extra baking time for best results. Prevent Watery Layers: To avoid a watery million dollar Italian lasagna, drain excess fat from the meat and ensure your sauce has thickened well before layering. Perfect Slicing: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set neatly, allowing for cleaner, more beautiful slices. Layering Strategy: Start with sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking, and make sure to alternate ingredients for a balanced flavor and texture in every bite. Effective Storage: Leftovers freeze beautifully! Slice, wrap tightly, and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating. How to Store and Freeze Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Fridge: Store leftover Million Dollar Italian Lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Always let it cool completely before sealing to maintain its delicious texture. Freezer: For longer storage, cut the lasagna into slices, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. A sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before baking can enhance that gooey texture! Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the lasagna out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Make Ahead Options These Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily prepare the meat sauce and the ricotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. To do this, simply let the meat sauce cool down before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating; for the ricotta mixture, keep it sealed in a bowl. When you’re ready to assemble the lasagna, just layer the noodles and fillings as described, and bake straight from the fridge, adding about 10-15 minutes to your baking time. This way, you get to savor a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort, saving you precious time during hectic weeknights! Variations & Substitutions for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Feel free to get creative with your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, transforming this classic dish into something uniquely yours! Gluten-Free Noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a delicious twist, allowing those with gluten sensitivities to indulge. Vegetable Boost: Add layers of sautéed zucchini or spinach for a nutritious, colorful veggie infusion that everyone will love. It’s a great way to sneak in healthy ingredients! Meat-Free Option: Swap the ground beef and sausage for crumbled tempeh or lentils, creating a hearty meatless version. You’ll still enjoy a hearty texture packed with flavor. Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a flavorful kick that ignites your taste buds. A little spice can elevate the entire dish! Creamy Ricotta Twist: Replace half the ricotta with cream cheese for an extra creamy layer that melts in your mouth. This variation will make your lasagna wonderfully luscious! Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. Fresh ingredients will brighten up any dish for a vibrant and aromatic touch. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses by incorporating a blend of gouda or fontina. This will create a rich, dreamy topping that takes your lasagna to the next level. Freezing Tips: When preparing a lasagna to freeze, ensure you use uncooked noodles, allowing it to bake fresh later—perfect for a quick meal on busy days. With these variations, your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna will surely impress at any gathering! Looking for a lighter side to balance the richness? A fresh Caesar salad pairs wonderfully alongside your lasagna, creating an inviting table for your family and friends! Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe FAQs What type of lasagna noodles should I use for gluten-free Million Dollar Italian Lasagna? Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, look for specific gluten-free lasagna noodles made from rice or other gluten-free grains. Ensure they are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. I recommend checking your local grocery store or specialty food store for options. How long can I store leftover Million Dollar Italian Lasagna? Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain its delicious texture. Can I freeze Million Dollar Italian Lasagna? Yes, indeed! To freeze, slice the lasagna into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. What should I do if my lasagna turns out watery? Very important! To prevent a watery Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, make sure to drain excess fat after cooking your meat, and ensure your sauce thickens well before layering. Additionally, letting it rest for 15 minutes after baking helps the layers set properly, keeping slices neat and preventing any runny sauce. Can I use different cheeses in Million Dollar Italian Lasagna? The more the merrier! While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses. I often substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for varying textures, or add a sprinkle of fontina for an extra creamy bite. Feel free to adapt based on your preferences! My ricotta layer didn’t bind together well; what can I do? If your ricotta layer didn’t hold together, it might be due to omitting the egg, which helps bind it. If you want to skip the egg, you can use a flax egg as an alternative (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gel-like). Mixing the ricotta with sour cream also helps it blend smoothly for a creamier result! Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a comforting dish with layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella that your family will love. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrResting Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: CasserolesCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat Sauce2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and helps sauté aromatic vegetables1 cup Onion (finely chopped) Enhances flavor as a base for the sauce2 cloves Garlic (minced) Provides aromatic depth1 pound Ground Beef Adds protein and heartiness1 pound Italian Sausage Infuses the sauce with spices28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the base of the meat sauce2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce1 tablespoon Sugar Balances the acidity1 tablespoon Dried Basil Adds a fragrant herb note1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Mix of herbs that complement the sauceto taste Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings for flavorFor the Ricotta Layer15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Contributes creaminess to the lasagna1 cup Sour Cream Adds tang and extra creaminess1 large Egg Binds the ricotta mixture½ cup Grated Parmesan Adds umami flavor¼ cup Chopped Parsley Freshens up the ricotta layerFor Layering12 Lasagna Noodles Provide structure to the dish4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping2 tablespoons Melted Butter Used for brushing the top for a golden color Equipment Large skilletBaking DishMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare Meat Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for another minute. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage, browning until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.Add Ingredients: Stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 20-25 minutes.Ricotta Mixture: Combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1 cup of sour cream, 1 large egg, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. Mix until smooth. Set aside.Layering: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the dish. Place three lasagna noodles, top with half of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and sauce topped with mozzarella.Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side or salad. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg NotesThis lasagna can be made a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
