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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 73 reviews

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy twist on the classic Italian favorite. Layers of savory meat sauce, a luscious creamy cheese blend, and tender lasagna noodles come together to create an irresistible dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted mozzarella, this lasagna promises comforting flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Pasta Layer:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  2. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy to form the luscious cheese layer.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Next, arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers — meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture — until all ingredients are used, finishing the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
  4. Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling invitingly.
  5. Rest before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This rest period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat sauce with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • To enhance cheesiness, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella over portions before reheating leftovers.
  • This lasagna can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated; bake as directed when ready to serve.
  • Use no-boil noodles for a quicker assembly and softer texture.

Keywords: lasagna, Italian recipe, creamy lasagna, meat sauce, baked pasta, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/million-dollar-lasagna-recipe/