Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to our Million Dollar Lasagna recipe! This is a delicious and indulgent dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Made with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Steps
Follow these steps to make the Million Dollar Lasagna:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fresh parsley.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Million Dollar Lasagna:
- For extra richness, you can add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the cheese layers.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, for added flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian lasagna, you can omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and use a combination of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant instead.
- To save time, you can make the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
Tips
Here are some additional tips for making the perfect Million Dollar Lasagna:
- Make sure to fully cook the lasagna noodles before assembling the dish. This will prevent them from becoming too firm during baking.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully made the Million Dollar Lasagna. This mouthwatering dish is a true showstopper and will leave everyone craving for more. Enjoy the creamy cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Bon appétit!
