Million Dollar Lasagna
The Million Dollar Lasagna is more, than a dish; it offers a dining experience. It combines textures and flavors creating a harmony where the zesty kick of Italian sausage blends seamlessly with the smoothness of three different cheeses. Every bite takes you on an adventure starting with the luscious layers of cream cheese and mozzarella infused with the enticing aromas of Italian seasonings. The journey is completed with a whiff of spaghetti sauce that leaves after a comforting warmth.
10 Servings
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
To make our Million Dollar Lasagna gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles. Always double-check labels on spaghetti and tomato sauces for any gluten-based additives. Ensure your meat seasonings are gluten-free too. With these easy adjustments, savor a delicious and inclusive lasagna experience!