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

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.

Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce) two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, with golden-brown edges.

Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

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!