Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
The ingredients for our Million Dollar Italian Lasagna are designed to complement each other beautifully.
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the cheese layer:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Additional ingredients:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna:
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and turkey until browned. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce.
- Step 6: Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers twice more.
- Step 7: Finish with meat sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
- Step 8: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
FAQs
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I substitute the meat with a vegetarian option?
Yes! Use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian lasagna.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
4. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheeses like fontina, gouda, or even vegan alternatives.
5. What can I serve with lasagna?
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. With its layers of delectable flavors and comforting textures, this recipe will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Remember that each layer brings its flavor, and the time spent preparing this dish will make it well worth the wait!
