Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (or substitute with ground pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or béchamel sauce (for extra richness)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled according to package instructions)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, heavy cream (or béchamel), egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, sauce) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese over the final layer for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad.
Tips for a Million-Dollar Touch
- Use homemade pasta for an extra-special touch.
- Add truffle oil or wild mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
- Incorporate lobster or crab meat into the cheese filling for a seafood-inspired version.
- Pair with a fine red wine, such as a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy your luxurious, million-dollar lasagna! 🍷🍝