Million Dollar Creamy Lasagna

This luscious Million Dollar Lasagna is my secret weapon when I want to feed a crowd something truly decadent and unforgettable. With creamy cheese, robust meat sauce, and melty mozzarella bubbling over every bite, it is the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinners and celebrations alike.

The first time I made this to welcome my little brother home from college he was stunned into silence and then immediately asked for the recipe. It has since become a cherished family tradition for birthdays and holidays.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings a rich savory flavor and hearty texture
• Italian sausage: adds bold seasoning and depth do try to use a high quality sausage for best taste
• Onion and garlic: infuse the sauce with aromatic sweetness look for firm heavy onions and plump garlic
• Marinara sauce and diced tomatoes: create the flavorful sauce base pick a marinara with simple ingredients
• Italian seasoning: balances herbs throughout the sauce use a fresh blend or your favorite dried mix
• Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: forms the creamy layer opt for whole milk versions for richness
• Cream cheese and sour cream: create a silky smooth texture be sure cream cheese is softened
• Egg: helps bind the cheese mixture together use the freshest eggs possible
• Parmesan cheese: brings a nutty sharp flavor always grate fresh if you can
• Mozzarella cheese: gives that classic stretchy gooey topping buy it by the block and shred yourself
• Lasagna noodles: provide structure and substance no-boil or traditional both work as long as they are cooked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Combine ground beef Italian sausage and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat Cook gently for about eight to ten minutes or until meat is fully browned and onions are softened Stir and break up meat so there are no large chunks Drain off extra fat for a lighter finished dish

Build the Tomato Sauce:

Add minced garlic to the browned meat and stir one minute until fragrant Stir in marinara sauce diced tomatoes Italian seasoning salt and pepper Allow mixture to simmer for at least ten minutes to deepen the flavor and slightly reduce the sauce

Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling:

In a large mixing bowl blend ricotta or cottage cheese softened cream cheese sour cream egg Parmesan one cup mozzarella cheese salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder Continue mixing until the filling is completely smooth and uniform with no lumps

Layer the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish Lay noodles over the sauce to fully cover it without overlapping too much Top noodles with a generous portion of cheese mixture followed by more meat sauce Repeat this layering two or three times depending on pan height ending with meat sauce on top

Add Final Cheese and Bake:

Scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce Cover the baking dish with foil making sure it is sealed but not touching the cheese Place into a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven and bake for twenty five minutes Remove foil and continue baking for twenty minutes more or until cheese is bubbly and golden

Let Cool and Serve:

Allow lasagna to sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes before slicing This helps the layers set for perfectly clean portions

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Parmesan cheese is the secret flavor booster here It adds a nutty savoriness that really elevates the creamy layers My grandmother once told me the best part of any lasagna is that first cheesey stretch off the serving spoon and every time I see my family’s faces light up it is clear she was right

Storage Tips

Store cooled lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days If you want to freeze let the whole dish cool completely wrap well and freeze up to two months Defrost in the fridge before reheating and cover with foil when warming to keep it moist

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you want a lighter texture Ground turkey or even mushrooms work well instead of beef and sausage If you need gluten-free simply use suitable noodles just watch the cooking time so they do not break down

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Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Lasagna shines with a side of garlicky bread and a crisp Caesar salad For a festive touch serve with roasted seasonal vegetables at the holidays I love piling a slice onto a plate and watching the cheese pull as it is served family-style at the table

Cultural Context

This version spins classic Italian-American lasagna into a truly extravagant treat The extra creamy cheese layer is an American innovation that makes it richer and more comforting This dish is a celebration meal and always brings everyone together around the table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this lasagna 'million dollar'?

The luxurious blend of cheeses and a rich meat sauce create an extra creamy, hearty texture and flavor.

→ Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well and produces a lighter, slightly tangier cheese layer.

→ How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain meat thoroughly and avoid over-saucing each layer to keep the lasagna firm and set.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

→ What pasta works best for this version?

Traditional boiled lasagna noodles provide structure, but oven-ready sheets can be used for convenience.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, cool completely, cut into portions, wrap securely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.