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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Mouthwatering Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe for Effortless Elegance

This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe offers a luxurious dinner option that's easy to make and impresses everyone.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef substitute with Italian sausage for bolder flavor or turkey for lighter option
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage replace with mushrooms for vegetarian alternative
  • 1 medium Onion shallots can be used if onions aren’t available
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh minced garlic is preferred for best taste
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste a bit of extra marinara can work in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning replace with dried herbs like basil and oregano if necessary
For the Cheesy Layers
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a great substitute if preferred
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese swap with ricotta for smooth layer
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese ensure at room temperature for easy mixing
  • 2 tablespoons Chives & Parsley or use green onions as alternative
  • 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese low-moisture mozzarella yields best results
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese substitute with more mozzarella if preferred
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can also be used
For Assembly
  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles traditional or whole-wheat versions
  • 2 tablespoons Butter optional for dotting on top

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or hand mixer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and Italian sausage. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up until browned, leaving about a tablespoon of rendered fat.
  3. Add diced onions to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Lower heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth, then fold in chopped chives and parsley.
  6. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of your prepared dish, lay down 4 noodles, spoon half of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella and cheddar.
  7. Repeat with another set of noodles, remaining cheese mixture, half the meat sauce, and another one-third of cheese.
  8. Finish with the last of the noodles, cover with remaining meat sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until golden.
  10. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This lasagna can be made ahead and customized with different proteins or vegetables. Allow it to rest post-bake for better slicing and enhanced flavors.

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