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Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop rich flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Million Dollar Cheese Filling

  1. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

🔹 Layer 1: Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
🔹 Layer 2: Add 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
🔹 Layer 3: Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
🔹 Layer 4: Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
🔹 Layer 5: Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and cheese on top.
🔹 Final Layer: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

  1. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  • Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
  • Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for the perfect meal.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Lasagna

🍞 Garlic Bread – Buttery, crispy, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy salad balances the richness of the lasagna.
🥂 Red Wine – A glass of Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with this dish.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

✅ Use a deep baking dish – This lasagna has thick layers, so use a deep 9×13-inch dish.
✅ Let it rest before cutting – This helps the layers hold together when serving.
✅ Don’t overcook the noodles – Slightly undercook them since they absorb sauce while baking.
✅ Make it ahead – Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

🔹 Make It Lighter – Use ground turkey instead of beef and swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt.
🔹 Add Veggies – Layer in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
🔹 Spicy Version – Use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

Freezing:

  • Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months (cover tightly with plastic wrap & foil).
  • When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Lasagna takes a classic dish to a whole new level with its rich, creamy cheese layers and bold, meaty sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

Try it out and enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite! 😋🔥

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