Description

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, layered with a hearty meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and tender lasagna noodles. This recipe elevates the classic lasagna with rich ingredients that make every bite feel indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 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)
• Tools You’ll Need:
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula and ladle

Preparation Method

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1 third of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat layers two more times. Finish with noodles, remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella on top.

4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with garlic bread or a salad.

Tips and Conclusion

For extra richness, add a layer of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms between the cheese and meat layers.

To save time, assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.

Million Dollar Lasagna is a hearty and indulgent dish that brings the wow factor to your dinner table. Its layers of rich flavors and textures make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Explore more comforting recipes on our site and create delicious memories with every bite!