Million Dollar Lasagna

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Million Dollar Lasagna

Introduction

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—a layered casserole dish loaded with rich and creamy flavors. This lasagna features perfectly seasoned meat sauce, velvety cheese layers, and tender noodles, all baked to golden perfection. It’s called “million-dollar” because it’s so decadent and satisfying, it tastes like a million bucks! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this lasagna is sure to impress.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back centuries, originating in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Over time, American variations like Million Dollar Lasagna emerged, featuring creamier cheese blends and heartier meat sauces. This version emphasizes indulgence, blending classic Italian flavors with a rich, creamy twist, making it a favorite across households.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

  • 16 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

For the Lasagna Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Optional Additions

  • Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Herbal Notes: Fresh basil or oregano for garnish.

Tips for Success

  1. Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercook the lasagna noodles since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
  2. Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
  3. Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of sauce, noodles, and cheese.
  4. Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10–15 minutes after baking to set the layers.
  5. Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day before and refrigerate. It tastes even better as the flavors meld.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned.
    • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat.
    • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
    • In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese (or ricotta), cream cheese, sour cream, 2 cups mozzarella, 1 cup Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
    • Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
    • Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
    • Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce on top.
    • Sprinkle remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan on top.
  4. Bake the Lasagna:
    • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
  5. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the lasagna cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Description

Million Dollar Lasagna is an irresistible combination of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender pasta. The cream cheese and sour cream add a luxurious texture, while the mozzarella and Parmesan create a gooey, cheesy topping. Each bite delivers rich, comforting flavors that make this dish unforgettable.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate showstopper for any occasion. Its creamy, cheesy layers and savory meat sauce create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s always a hit. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Recommendation

Pair this lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage, and use low-fat cheeses. You can also replace half of the noodles with zucchini slices for a veggie-packed twist. This way, you can enjoy the richness of Million Dollar Lasagna while staying mindful of your health.

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