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Million Dollar Lasagna – A Rich and Creamy Layered Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 358 reviews

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy layered pasta dish featuring a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This classic Italian-American recipe is perfect for family dinners and special occasions, combining hearty ground beef and Italian sausage with flavorful herbs simmered in tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

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
  • 1/2 teaspoon black 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the lasagna.
  2. Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions have become translucent. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
  5. Mix Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
  6. Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce in a single layer.
  7. Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Spoon one-fourth of the remaining meat sauce on top of the ricotta, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. For the final layer, place the remaining noodles on top, cover with the rest of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Prepare for Baking: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. To prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil, lightly spray the foil with cooking spray before covering.
  10. Bake Covered: Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
  11. Bake Uncovered: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Cool and Garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, let the lasagna rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Spraying the foil with cooking spray helps prevent cheese from sticking during baking.
  • You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time on the day of baking.
  • Use whole milk ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier meat sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes while simmering.

Keywords: lasagna, Italian lasagna, layered pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce, baked pasta, comfort food

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