Million Dollar Lasagna

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Million Dollar Lasagna

Rich, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy – this Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name. Packed with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a crowd-pleasing classic.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 lb ricotta cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce:

  1. In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and garlic powder.
  2. Mix until smooth and well blended.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Layer with noodles, cheese mixture, and more meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with meat sauce on top.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

4. Bake:

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  3. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serve this decadent lasagna with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a meal that truly tastes like a million bucks.

 

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