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Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight! Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy Italian classic featuring layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta blended with egg and Parmesan, mozzarella cheese, and tender lasagna noodles, baked to bubbly golden perfection for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
  • 12 ounces tomato paste (2 cans, 6 oz each)
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Pasta and Cheese Layers

  • 12 noodles lasagna
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh basil or parsley to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
  2. Cook Noodles: In a large pot, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
  4. Mix Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create the creamy cheese layer that adds richness to the dish.
  5. Assemble First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay down a layer of 4 lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce.
  6. Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, drizzle one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce atop that, and sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
  7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, each with noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese to build the rich, layered structure of the lasagna.
  8. Top Final Layer: Place the final layer of noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  9. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. To prevent sticking, spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering. Bake covered for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  10. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
  11. Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • To prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese, spraying the underside with cooking spray is highly recommended.
  • You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to enhance flavor and save time on assembly day.
  • For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce during cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor if available.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps it slice cleanly and maintains the layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, Italian lasagna, creamy lasagna, baked pasta, layered lasagna, meat lasagna, cheesy lasagna

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/million-dollar-lasagna-a-rich-and-creamy-layered-delight-recipe/