Million Dollar Lasagna – Indulge, in the realm of comfort food with our Million Dollar Lasagna. A dish so decadent it’s like hitting the culinary jackpot with every mouthful. This delightful creation combines the richness of sausage, creamy cheeses, and tangy sauces to become a feature on dinner tables.
The first time I prepared this Million Dollar Lasagna it was on a chilly evening with rain gently tapping against the windows. My aim was to craft something that would warm our souls from within. As my family took their first bites their eyes widened with delight. Even my husband, who tends to be quite discerning when it comes to food proclaimed it as the best lasagna he had ever tasted. As for my little one? Let’s just say not a single crumb remained on his plate!
What makes this Million Dollar Lasagna truly special?
What makes our Million Dollar Lasagna stand out from the crowd? It’s all about those details. Our blend of cheeses includes velvety cream cheese intertwined with gooey mozzarella and cottage cheese. A symphony of flavors. We also use sausage for that true taste of Italy in each bite. Let’s not forget our weapon; Italian seasoning, which adds a perfectly balanced kick, to every layer. Every component is carefully curated, ensuring an experience worthy of its million-dollar title!
What You Need To Make This Million-Dollar Lasagna Recipe?
Lasagna Noodles: It’s better to choose noodles of the no-boil variety. Regular ones hold up well. Give the dish a traditional texture.
Italian Sausage vs. Ground Beef: If you prefer a spicier and more authentic taste go for Italian sausage. If you prefer a milder flavor ground beef is the way to go. It all comes down to preference. For an Italian touch choosing sausage would be your option.
Tomato Sauce: The quality of the sauce can really enhance your lasagna. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite brand or even make a homemade version. Combining both types of sauces adds depth to the flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. It forms the essence of the lasagna flavor profile. If you have fresh herbs available they can add an element.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient brings moisture and a creamy texture, to the lasagna. Some people prefer ricotta cheese in their lasagna. Using cottage cheese gives it a twist with a delightful tanginess.
Cream Cheese: The inclusion of softened cream cheese is what gives our Million Dollar Lasagna its name. Adding a layer that’s rich and creamy.
Sour Cream: There’s an important ingredient that adds to the creaminess of the lasagna blending perfectly with the other cheeses.
Egg: The egg plays a role, in binding the cheese mixture making sure it holds its shape while baking.
Dried Parsley: Dried parsley is mainly used for its color and a hint of flavor. However, if you prefer a taste you can use fresh parsley as a garnish or mix it into the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese Slices: When it comes to mozzarella cheese using slices instead of shredded ensures a distribution and consistent melting throughout.
Parmesan Cheese: For a flavor grated Parmesan cheese is always the way to go. It adds a salty touch that beautifully contrasts with the creamy layers.
Steps To Make Million Dollar Lasagna:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF.
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Step 2: Follow the instructions, on the package to cook the lasagna noodles. Once they’re cooked drain them well. Let them cool down a bit.
Step 3: Now let’s heat up some sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nicely browned make sure to drain off any fat.
Step 4: Time to work some magic with the sauce! Combine the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and our secret ingredient. Italian seasoning. Let it simmer on low heat for around 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once done remove it from the heat.
Step 5: Grab a mixing bowl. Let’s whip up something creamy! Mix together cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg and parsley.
Step 6: Now comes the fun part. Layering! Start by spraying a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread a cup of meat sauce as the base layer. Then arrange six lasagna noodles on top ensuring they overlap slightly.
Step 7: Up is spreading half of that creamy cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top. Spoon over half of the meat sauce. Finish off with a sprinkle (about ¼ cup) of Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Alright, it’s time to move on to the next layer! Simply follow the steps as before. Once you’ve finished layering top it off with the remaining meat sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Now cover your masterpiece with foil. Put it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that take off the foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until you notice it bubbling away happily.
Step 10: Remember to be patient! Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before indulging in its deliciousness.
Tip:
For an even richer and more layered flavor, consider making the meat sauce a day in advance. Allowing it to sit in the fridge overnight gives the ingredients a chance to meld together. When you layer the lasagna the next day, you’ll find the sauce has deeper, more integrated flavors, heightening the whole dish to a new tier of lusciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Sure you can definitely substitute ground beef, for sausage. The flavor will be a bit milder. It will still turn out delicious.
How should I store leftover lasagna?
To store leftover lasagna simply place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for, up to three days. When reheating make sure to heat it throughout.
Can I prepare this a day ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day before. Just follow all the steps until the baking part, cover it up nicely and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy it simply bake it as directed. However, keep in mind that you might need to add a few minutes if you’re baking it from the fridge.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodle sheets
- 1-1/4 pounds Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 24-ounces jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 8-ounces each cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 24-ounces container cottage cheese
- 1 8-ounces block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 c sour cream
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese slices
- 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
- Follow the instructions, on the package to cook the lasagna noodles. Once cooked drain them. Set them aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a frying pan cook the sausage or ground beef until browned.
- Remove any fat, add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, cream, beaten egg and dried parsley. Mix everything together.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Start by spreading a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 6 noodles over the sauce so that they overlap slightly.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Top it with one-third of the mozzarella cheese slices.
- Add half of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat these layers one more time starting with noodles and ending with meat sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Final Layers and Baking:
- Finish by placing the remaining mozzarella slices on top.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake in preheated oven, for 25 minutes. After taking off the foil place it back in the oven for another 30 minutes until it becomes bubbly and gets a browned top.
- Give the lasagna some time to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
