Million Dollar Lasagna
Million Dollar Lasagna is a hearty and delicious dish that brings comfort to any meal. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy dinner at home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Million Dollar Lasagna. First, it is packed with flavor and has a wonderful combination of ingredients that create a satisfying meal. Second, it is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for busy days. Lastly, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, so you can impress your friends and family with your cooking skills without a lot of effort.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 package (8 oz) lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce, then layer 3 lasagna noodles. Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the noodles, add more meat sauce, and repeat layers.
- Finish with a layer of meat sauce and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Serve Million Dollar Lasagna hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad and some garlic bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for a nice touch.
How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna
If you have leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container, or cover it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to the meat sauce.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
- Let the lasagna rest before serving to make slicing easier and allow the flavors to meld together.
Variation
You can easily customize this lasagna to suit your taste. Try using ground turkey for a lighter version, or add different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Vegetarian versions are also delicious – just replace the meat with your favorite veggies or meat substitutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! Just ensure it is tightly sealed before placing it in the freezer.
3. How long does it take to reheat frozen lasagna?
To reheat frozen lasagna, bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until it is heated thoroughly. You may want to cover it with foil to prevent it from browning too much.
