I still remember the smell. Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s house were always punctuated by the intoxicating aroma of baking lasagna. It wasn’t just any lasagna, mind you. It was her lasagna. A labor of love, bubbling with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers upon layers of perfectly cooked pasta. It was the centerpiece of every family gathering, and the dish everyone clamored for. That memory is the inspiration behind this recipe – my take on that classic comfort food, elevated to what I like to call a Million Dollar Lasagna – Rich, Creamy & Perfect for Family Gatherings! It’s a showstopper, genuinely, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna
Forget those bland, store-bought versions. This lasagna is different. It’s packed with flavor, built from scratch, and utterly irresistible. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Seriously Creamy: We’re using a blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses for a decadently smooth and creamy filling.
- Rich Tomato Sauce: My secret? Caramelizing the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes. This deepens the flavor immeasurably.
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: No pre-boiling required! We’re using oven-ready lasagna noodles for convenience and to prevent a soggy lasagna.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: It’s the ultimate comfort food. The layers of cheesy, saucy goodness are simply unparalleled.
- Makes Memories: Like my grandmother’s lasagna, this will become a dish associated with happy gatherings and cherished traditions.
The Ingredients: Building Your Million Dollar Lasagna
Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe makes a large lasagna – perfect for feeding a crowd (or having leftovers!).
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is good)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but recommended!)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 30 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk is best)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready, no-boil)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Let’s Make Magic!
Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps – it’s much easier than it looks.
1. Start the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the Flavor: Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add red wine (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. I often simmer it for an hour!
5. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
6. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Layering Time:
* Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) over the bottom of the dish.
* Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
* Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
* Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
* Spoon approximately 1.5 cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella.
* Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1.5 cups meat sauce.
* Top with the final 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, plus a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
10. Rest & Serve: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner slices.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Here are some extra touches to make your Million Dollar Lasagna even more spectacular:
- Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added to the meat sauce or layered between the cheese and noodles.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, for a bolder flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1-2 packages of chopped mushrooms and/or lentils.
- Herbs, Herbs, Herbs! Fresh basil and oregano added at the end take the flavor to the next level.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a simple salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Garlic bread is always a winner!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Please note that these are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
It’s worth repeating: this is a rich lasagna! Enjoy it in moderation as a special treat.
Your Million Dollar Lasagna Awaits!
There you have it – the recipe for a Million Dollar Lasagna – Rich, Creamy & Perfect for Family Gatherings! It might seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, it’s all worth it. The look on your loved ones’ faces when they taste this lasagna will be priceless. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a memorable meal. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
