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Best Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.2 from 83 reviews

This Best Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, hearty Italian-American dish featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection and perfect for feeding a crowd of eight.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Other

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown meat: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Cook vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Make sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
  4. Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smoothly incorporated.
  5. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Layer sauce: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Layer noodles: Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the meat sauce.
  8. Layer cheese: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
  9. Add mozzarella: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
  10. Layer sauce: Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
  11. Repeat layers: 3 lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and the remaining meat sauce.
  12. Top layers: Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  13. Cover: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  14. Bake covered: Bake for 30 minutes.
  15. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
  16. Rest: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it set and makes serving easier.
  • Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
  • Covering the lasagna during the first part of baking prevents drying out.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/best-million-dollar-lasagna-recipe/