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Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: A Hug in Every Layer

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna features layers of hearty meat sauce and creamy ricotta, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use for sautéing vegetables and browning meat.
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) Sauté until translucent.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Sauté until fragrant.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Cook until browned.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Cook until browned.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Essential for sauce base.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional, adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Boosts flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Boosts flavor.
  • to taste Salt Key seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Key seasoning.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Main component of the creamy layer.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Adds extra richness; optional.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Enhances nuttiness.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Parsley Fresh herb for garnish.
For Assembly
  • 12 oz Lasagna Noodles (cooked) Ensure they are al dente.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Opt for fresh mozzarella.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (melted) Adds richness.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic until fragrant. Cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, draining excess fat. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and layer with meat sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture, repeating layers. End with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella. Drizzle with melted butter.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  5. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish as desired and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the lasagna to rest before serving for clean slices. You can prepare a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

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