Million Dollar Lasagna
Million Dollar Lasagna is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends raving about your cooking skills! This indulgent Italian classic is rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. In this recipe, we’ll take you through a detailed step-by-step guide to creating this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just about taste; it’s a dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction. Here are some reasons why you’ll love making it:
- Easy Prep: With a straightforward recipe structure, you won’t feel overwhelmed. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you’re on your way to a delightful meal!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will relish every gooey, cheesy bite. It’s perfect for picky eaters and great for bringing family together for mealtime.
- Versatile: This lasagna can be customized to your liking. Feel free to incorporate veggies or different types of cheese based on your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Delight: You can easily prepare parts of this lasagna in advance, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
To prepare this mouthwatering Million Dollar Lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1¼ pounds Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese slices
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step directions to make this delightful Million Dollar Lasagna!
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for an evenly cooked and perfectly melted lasagna.
-
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
-
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, break the meat into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
-
Make the Sauce: Once browned, add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, infusing it with savory flavors.
-
Mix the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
-
Grease the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
-
Layer the Lasagna: Now comes the fun part – assembling your lasagna!
- Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese.
- Add one-third of the mozzarella cheese slices on top.
-
Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process:
- Place another 4 lasagna noodles.
- Spread the remaining cheese mixture.
- Pour the rest of the meat sauce.
- Finish with the last third of the mozzarella cheese.
-
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (try not to touch the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Add Vegetables: For a nutritious twist, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to switch up the cheese. Provolone or ricotta can be great substitutes depending on your taste.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Million Dollar Lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad and garlic bread. Consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine to elevate your dining experience. A simple dessert like Tiramisu or a fruit tart can wrap up this meal beautifully, leaving everyone satisfied.
Nutritional Information
While each serving of Million Dollar Lasagna may vary depending on portion size, here’s a rough estimate for one serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
This makes it a hearty meal that satisfies hunger but should be enjoyed in moderation!
Storing Tips & Variations for Million Dollar Lasagna
- Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture and heat at 350°F until warmed through.
- Variations: As previously mentioned, consider altering the types of meat or cheese. For a vegetarian version, use a mix of roasted veggies and a plant-based cheese alternative.
Conclusion for Million Dollar Lasagna
Million Dollar Lasagna is a fantastic dish that promises smiles and satisfied stomachs. With its creamy textures and robust flavors, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Encourage your friends and family to join you in the kitchen and create wonderful memories while you cook and enjoy this magnificent dish together!
FAQs
1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
2. What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils can be used as alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
3. How do I reheat leftover lasagna?
Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
4. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
5. What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Provolone or ricotta cheese can be great alternatives based on your taste preferences.
Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 1.25 pounds Italian sausage or ground beef
- 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 16 oz cans tomato sauce Two 8 oz cans
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 oz container cottage cheese
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese slices
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
Cooking the Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat, breaking the meat into smaller pieces.
- Once browned, add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Cheese Mixture
- In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer in the baking dish: Start with meat sauce, then layer with 4 lasagna noodles, half of the cheese mixture, half of the meat sauce, and a third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: another 4 lasagna noodles, remaining cheese mixture, rest of the meat sauce, and final third of the mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.