MILLION DOLLAR LASAGNA

Lasagna is one of those wonderful dishes that brings back memories for me. I remember my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour and a happy glow on her face as she layered rich sauces and creamy cheeses. It was always a family affair, with everyone gathering around the table, hearts full, eagerly awaiting that first bite. Today, I want to share my secret treasure—the Million Dollar Lasagna. Trust me; it’s a recipe that will have your kitchen buzzing with excitement and your taste buds singing in delight!

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, what makes this Million Dollar Lasagna so special? Let me tell you, it’s the impeccable harmony of flavors and textures that come together so beautifully. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, enveloped in a robust meat sauce that sings with the essence of Italian herbs, balanced by a creamy, dreamy blend of cheeses. This isn’t just any lasagna; it’s an experience!

Every bite is a burst of warmth, a comforting embrace after a long day. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from inside—filling, satisfying, and downright delicious. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings, feeding a crowd, or even enjoying a cozy night in. You’re not just making dinner; you’re creating memories, and trust me, your loved ones will thank you for it!

Gather these ingredients

• Ground Beef: You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, bringing savory richness to the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap this for ground turkey for a leaner option.

• Italian Sausage: The star of the show! Another pound of Italian sausage adds depth and that unmistakable flavor kick. You can use sweet or hot sausage, depending on your heat preference.

• Diced Onion: One medium onion, finely diced, brings aromatic sweetness and complements the meat beautifully.

• Garlic Cloves: Three minced garlic cloves for that punch of flavor—garlic makes everything better!

• Marinara Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: A 24 oz jar of marinara sauce and a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes create the perfect base. Feel free to make your own marinara if you’re up for it!

• Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon of seasoning captures a blend of herbs that perfectly enhances the sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on the flavor! Half a teaspoon of each will really marry the ingredients together.

• Sugar (optional): A tablespoon of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

• Ricotta Cheese: A 16 oz tub that adds a creamy texture and richness.

• Cream Cheese: Eight ounces, softened, is our luxury ingredient for added creaminess—don’t skip this!

• Parmesan Cheese: One cup of grated Parmesan gives that nutty, salty flavor that ties everything together.

• Egg: Just one large egg will help bind our cheese mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A whole 2 cups for layering, plus some extra for topping—that gooey, melty goodness is what dreams are made of!

• Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons, chopped, gives a pop of color and freshness. Dried parsley can also do the trick if fresh isn’t available.

• Lasagna Noodles: Twelve cooked noodles will be the structural backbone of our dish.

• Extra Parsley for Garnish, because we eat with our eyes first, right?

The cooking process explained

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add that diced onion and cook until it’s translucent. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and let it fend for itself for about a minute until fragrant.
   • Now, add in your marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar if you chose to balance out those tomatoes. Let this simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps meld those flavors—you want to smell that goodness filling your kitchen!

2. Make the Cheese Mixture:

   • Grab a large bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, large egg, and chopped parsley until smooth. This cheesy bliss is a big part of what makes this lasagna so rich!
   • Fold in one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Why? Because more cheese is always a good idea!

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). A little ahead of time, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
   • Place three cooked lasagna noodles over it, slightly overlapping them like a cozy little blanket.
   • Add a generous layer of the cheese mixture, followed by more meat sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with that luscious layer of meat sauce and a hefty dose of mozzarella on top.

5. Bake:

   • Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes.
   • After that, remove the foil and bake it for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, like a perfect sunset!

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Patience, my friend! Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it up. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much cleaner. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then serve warm to a parade of happy faces.

Best way to enjoy it

Million Dollar Lasagna begs to be paired with a crisp green salad. Think arugula with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar Salad to complement the richness of the dish. A bit of crusty garlic bread on the side never hurts, either! It’s like asking for a hug to go along with your favorite sweater. And, don’t forget—a little red wine can elevate those flavor notes beautifully.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or if you’re intentionally making more for an easy weeknight meal!), let your lasagna cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for about 2-3 months. Just remember: thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a hassle-free way to bring back the joy of home-cooked goodness!

Extra tips and advice

Here’s a little pro tip: Toast your Italian seasoning in the pan for a minute before adding the marinara sauce—it intensifies the flavors. And don’t shy away from adding your twist! Consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost, or even a little spicy pepper for an added kick. If you’re a plant-based eater, swap the meats for lentils or mushrooms and choose dairy-free cheeses!

Creative Twists

Want to mix it up? Try some fun variations! Add layers of roasted vegetables for a fresh take, or use different cheese blends—like gouda or Monterey Jack—to switch things up. Feeling adventurous? How about a spicy jalapeño kick? Your lasagna, your rules!

This Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just a recipe; it’s a passport to hearty family meals and delightful gatherings. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than serving a homemade dish that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Go on, get in that kitchen and give it a whirl! You’ll be the star of the evening, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Let’s keep this cooking community thriving—share your thoughts and variations in the comments! Happy cooking!

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MILLION DOLLAR LASAGNA

Cooking Method: Baking, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy F Family Friendly High Protein Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Million Dollar Lasagna will have your kitchen buzzing with excitement and your taste buds singing in delight! A comforting dish filled with layers of meat, cheese, and flavorful sauces, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb Ground Beef (Savory richness)
• 1 lb Italian Sausage (Sweet or hot, as per preference)
• 1 medium Diced Onion (Finely diced for sweetness)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor)
• 24 oz Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
• 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Pepper
• 1 tbsp Sugar (Optional, to balance acidity)

Cheese Mixture

• 16 oz Ricotta Cheese (Adds creaminess)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened)
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
• 1 large Egg (To bind cheese mixture)
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Plus extra for topping)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped)

Lasagna Components

• 12 noodles Lasagna Noodles (Cooked)
• to taste Extra Parsley (For garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat

   In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Drain any excess grease.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Garlic and Sauce

   Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
   Mark as complete

Make the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix Chees Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, large egg, and chopped parsley until smooth. Fold in one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   Mark as complete

Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   Mark as complete

2. Layer the Lasagna

   Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom, place three lasagna noodles, add cheese mixture, more meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
   Mark as complete

3. Bake

   Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
   Mark as complete

4. Rest and Serve

   Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 300 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 2.5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

Folate 30 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 4 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Consider adding sautéed vegetables or using different cheeses for variations.

Keywords: lasagna, Italian, family recipe, comfort food