Irresistible Million Dollar Easy Lasagna Recipe to Impress
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish of Million Dollar Easy Lasagna. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, filling the air with delicious aromas and inviting everyone to gather around the table. Whether you’re hosting family for a special occasion or simply looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this lasagna is sure to impress. With its layers of rich flavors and creamy textures, it’s a favorite in our home, and I believe it will quickly become a beloved recipe in yours too.
This Million Dollar Easy Lasagna is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you can have this crowd-pleaser on the table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Simple preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
– Family-friendly: This lasagna is loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
– Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or just a cozy weeknight meal, this lasagna fits any occasion.
– Flavorful layers: Each layer is packed with rich flavors that meld beautifully as they bake together.
– Leftovers are a treat: If there happen to be any leftovers (which is rare), they taste even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious Million Dollar Easy Lasagna:
For the Meat Sauce
– 1 lb Italian Sausage
For the Cheese Mixture
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 cup parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped basil
For Assembly
– 24 oz jar marinara sauce
– 1 box oven ready lasagna noodles
– 2 cups shredded Italian-blend cheese
– 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce or 1 recipe Olive Garden Alfredo
– 16 oz fresh mozzarella
Variations
One of the best things about lasagna is its flexibility! You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:
– Swap the protein: Consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option.
– Add vegetables: Layer in some sautéed spinach, zucchini slices, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
– Try different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta to give your lasagna a unique twist.
– Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Million Dollar Easy Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 F. This ensures that your lasagna bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until it’s cooked through. Drain any excess fat before setting it aside. This step adds that rich flavor base essential for great tasting meat sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil until well combined. This mixture brings creaminess and flavor that balances perfectly with the heartiness of the sausage.
Step 4: Start Layering
Spread about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9 x 13″ baking pan. Place three oven-ready noodles on top—remember to leave space between them as they’ll expand while baking.
Step 5: Add First Layer of Fillings
Top those noodles with one-fourth of your ricotta mixture, one-fourth of the browned sausage, and approximately half a cup of marinara sauce. Smooth everything out using an offset spatula before adding about half a cup of shredded Italian-blend cheese on top.
Step 6: Repeat Layers
Add three more lasagna sheets followed by another one-fourth portion each of ricotta mixture and sausage along with one cup of Alfredo sauce spread evenly over the top. Again sprinkle another half cup of shredded cheese.
Step 7: Final Layers
Continue layering until you’ve used all ingredients up to three sheets of pasta at the top. Generously cover these last noodles with one cup of marinara sauce ensuring they’re well covered to prevent dryness during baking. Cover tightly with foil—this helps steam cook your layers.
Step 8: Bake
Place your lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. When done baking under foil, remove it carefully before topping with slices from your fresh mozzarella ball. Return it to bake once more for another 15–20 minutes until everything is melted and bubbling beautifully.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked to perfection, take out your lasagna and let it cool for about 20–25 minutes before slicing into it. If you want that extra melty goodness on top again after cooling down—a quick pop back in for five minutes should do!
Now gather around friends and family—your Million Dollar Easy Lasagna is ready to be served! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Easy Lasagna
Making lasagna can be a delightful experience, especially when you know a few insider secrets that can elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Million Dollar Easy Lasagna is a hit every time!
– Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the overall flavor of your lasagna. Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheese for the best results.
– Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your lasagna to cool for about 20-25 minutes before cutting will help it hold its shape and make serving much easier.
– Layer evenly: Make sure to spread each layer evenly and cover all areas of the noodles, which will keep them from becoming too dry during baking.
– Don’t skip the foil: Covering your lasagna with foil while it bakes helps to trap steam, ensuring that everything cooks evenly and remains moist.
– Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add layers of cooked spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
How to Serve Million Dollar Easy Lasagna
Serving Million Dollar Easy Lasagna is a wonderful way to impress family and friends. A beautifully presented dish can set the tone for any meal, making it feel like a special occasion.
Garnishes
– Fresh basil leaves: Scatter a few fresh basil leaves on top just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
– Grated parmesan cheese: A light sprinkle of grated parmesan adds an extra touch of richness that complements the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
– Garlic bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread pairs perfectly with lasagna and is great for mopping up sauce.
– Caesar salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of lasagna.
– Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, creating a balanced meal.
– Steamed broccoli: Lightly steaming broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also offers a nutritious side option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prep can make life easier, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without having to spend hours in the kitchen every day. Here’s how you can store your Million Dollar Easy Lasagna.
Storing Leftovers
– Cool completely: Allow leftover lasagna to cool down at room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
– Use airtight containers: Place individual portions in airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Freezing
– Freeze before baking: If you want to freeze your lasagna, assemble it but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
– Label and date: Always label your frozen dishes with the name and date so you know what you have on hand.
Reheating
– Thaw overnight: For best results, transfer frozen lasagna to the refrigerator overnight to thaw before reheating.
– Bake at 350 F: Reheat covered in foil for about 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
If you have questions about making or serving Million Dollar Easy Lasagna, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify things.
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles but remember to pre-cook them according to package instructions before layering them in your dish.
How long does leftover lasagna last in the fridge?
Leftover lasagna typically lasts 3–5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace Italian sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Easy Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and love. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or sharing it with friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles all around. I encourage you to try it out—you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Million Dollar Easy Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 F.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil until well combined.
- Spread 1/4 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9 x 13" baking pan. Place three oven-ready noodles on top.
- Top the noodles with one-fourth of the ricotta mixture, one-fourth of the browned sausage, and half a cup of marinara sauce. Add half a cup of shredded Italian-blend cheese on top.
- Add three more lasagna sheets followed by another one-fourth portion each of ricotta mixture and sausage along with one cup of Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle another half cup of shredded cheese.
- Continue layering until all ingredients are used, topping the last noodles with one cup of marinara sauce. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove foil and top with slices of fresh mozzarella. Bake for another 15–20 minutes until melted and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna cool for 20–25 minutes before slicing.
