why make this recipe
Million Dollar Lasagna is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines layers of rich meat sauce and creamy cheese for a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can serve a crowd, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks or simply enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
how to make Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 package (8 oz) lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions:
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Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Add a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, meat sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with meat sauce.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
how to serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Serve Million Dollar Lasagna warm, sliced into squares. It goes well with a fresh side salad and garlic bread to complete the meal. This dish is also great for meal prep, so consider packing some leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day.
how to store Million Dollar Lasagna
To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, bake in the oven until heated through.
tips to make Million Dollar Lasagna
- Make sure to drain the meat thoroughly to avoid a greasy sauce.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Using fresh herbs can enhance the taste; consider adding fresh basil or parsley to the cheese mixture.
- Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to make cutting easier.
variation (if any)
You can customize Million Dollar Lasagna by using different meats such as ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, swap the meat with layers of roasted vegetables or extra mushrooms and add more cheese.
FAQs
Can I prepare Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
Is it okay to freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Million Dollar Lasagna freezes well. Just make sure to cover it properly before placing it in the freezer.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just follow the instructions on the package for layering and baking time.
