What makes the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe unique?

The *Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe* stands out because of its rich blend of cheeses and creamy ricotta, which creates a luxurious texture. This classic comfort food is not just another pasta dish; it’s an experience that elevates traditional lasagna to a gourmet level.

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the *Million Dollar Lasagna* a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated throughout.

What types of cheese are best for this recipe?

For the best flavor, a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan is recommended. These cheeses together create a delightful melt and a rich taste that truly embodies the essence of *Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe*.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! You can easily convert this dish into a vegetarian delight by simply omitting meat and adding more vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms. To complement your *Million Dollar Lasagna*, consider pairing it with a fresh salad like the Spinach Blueberry Salad for a vibrant touch.

Million Dollar Lasagna

Name: Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; 1 large egg; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)

Description

Indulge in Million Dollar Lasagna with layers of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage

1 medium onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Cheese Layer:

2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

½ cup sour cream

1 large egg

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Pasta Layer:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Noodles:
Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
Cook the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
Layer the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of noodles.
- Spread a portion of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers (noodles → meat sauce → cheese mixture) until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10–15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
Rest & Serve:
Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with a fresh spinach blueberry salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Can be prepared a day ahead; refrigerate covered and bake as directed.

For vegetarian version, omit meat and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

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