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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta come together to create a decadent dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a hearty meal, this lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Bursting with savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
  2. Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  3. Ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • Ground beef and Italian sausage add depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Onions and garlic provide aromatic flavor.
  • Marinara sauce and diced tomatoes create a robust base.
  • Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the overall taste.

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

  • Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese adds a creamy texture.
  • Cream cheese and sour cream offer a tangy richness.
  • Eggs bind the ingredients together.
  • Parmesan and mozzarella cheese provide gooey, melty goodness.

For the Pasta Layer:

  • Lasagna noodles form the sturdy base of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage.
  2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy cheese layer ingredients.
  5. Layer meat sauce, cheese mixture, and pasta in a baking dish.
  6. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly.

Helpful Tips:

  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Swap out the ground beef and sausage for turkey or a meatless alternative for a lighter version.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Use high-quality cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
  2. Don’t overcook the pasta before layering to prevent mushy noodles.
  3. Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Million Dollar Lasagna with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store, cover the lasagna with foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  2. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.
  3. Can I use no-boil noodles? Yes, simply adjust the baking time accordingly.
  4. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version? Absolutely, just increase the amount of cheese or add veggies for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Treat yourself to a taste of luxury with this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite and savor the deliciousness of homemade lasagna.

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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Indulge in this decadent Million Dollar Lasagna, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, all baked to perfection.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Make the Creamy Cheese Layer: In a bowl, mix ricotta/cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna: Layer meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture in a baking dish. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
  4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  • You can add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Classic lasagna recipe, comfort food, Italian dinner, crowd-pleaser

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