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How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat, and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Next, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions (if using regular noodles). Drain and set aside. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step, but be sure to follow the package directions for best results.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and stir to incorporate. This cheese mixture will be the creamy, indulgent layer in your lasagna.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture. Then, add a layer of meat sauce, followed by another layer of noodles. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Top the lasagna with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Million Dollar Lasagna has cooled slightly, slice it into generous portions and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Lasagna is a satisfying, hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some crispy, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce and add a crunchy element to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese complements the richness of the lasagna perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier option, serve the lasagna with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to add some color and balance the meal.
- Red Wine: If you’re pairing your meal with a drink, a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti, would be the perfect complement to the savory flavors of the lasagna.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: This lasagna is great for making ahead! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezing: If you’re planning to freeze your lasagna, prepare it and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen for about 45-60 minutes, or until fully heated through.
- Customize the Meat: If you prefer a different meat, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. You can even make it a vegetarian dish by adding layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy lasagna, add a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan to each layer. You can’t go wrong with more cheese!
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, creamy cheese layers and flavorful meat sauce, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite that’s requested time and time again. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this lasagna will make your taste buds sing. The creamy filling, savory sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create the ultimate indulgent dish that’s worth every bite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting, delicious, and unforgettable meal!
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