Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is a mouthwatering, creamy, and cheesy twist on the classic lasagna recipe that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The secret to its rich, indulgent flavor lies in the combination of a perfectly seasoned meat sauce, creamy layers of cheese, and a touch of sour cream and cream cheese that makes this dish truly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting family dinner, Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate dish to impress.

This lasagna stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures, with layers of savory meat sauce, rich cheese, and tender noodles. The cream cheese and sour cream in the cheese layer give it an extra creamy texture that makes each bite smooth and satisfying. Serve it at your next family gathering, potluck, or special occasion for a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Indulgent and Creamy

The combination of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a rich, creamy texture that makes each bite of lasagna irresistible.

2. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

This recipe makes a large pan of lasagna, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a hearty meal.

3. Packed with Flavor

The Italian sausage or ground beef in the meat sauce provides a savory, rich base, while the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses give it a cheesy, flavorful finish.

4. Simple Ingredients

Despite its rich flavor, this Million Dollar Lasagna uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can easily prepare this lasagna in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers.

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Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 ¼ lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
• 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use a combination of vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for the filling.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free. You can also try making the noodles from scratch using gluten-free flour.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a bit of extra heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside, spreading them out on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and dried parsley. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make Sure the Noodles Don’t Stick: After cooking the lasagna noodles, spread them out on a baking sheet and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
• Let the Lasagna Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
• Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano, sprinkle some on top of the lasagna before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a larger crowd or want leftovers, feel free to double the recipe and make two lasagnas.

How to Serve

Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine or iced tea to elevate the dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Million Dollar Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes well. After assembling, but before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake as directed, but add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the frozen state.

Reheating

To reheat frozen lasagna, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45-60 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese can be substituted for the cottage cheese. Ricotta will provide a slightly different texture but will still work wonderfully in this recipe.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well as beef or sausage in this lasagna.

3. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagna in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

4. How can I make the lasagna spicier?

To add spice, you can incorporate red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or add some hot Italian sausage to the filling.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, if you have fresh herbs like basil and parsley, feel free to use them in place of the dried varieties. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.

6. How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Make sure to drain the meat and any excess liquid from the vegetables before assembling the lasagna. Additionally, letting the lasagna rest before cutting will help prevent it from becoming watery.

7. Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce or layer them in between the noodles for added flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can substitute regular lasagna noodles with no-boil noodles. Just make sure to use a bit more sauce to help them cook properly.

9. Can I use different cheese for the topping?

Yes! Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for the topping if you prefer.

10. How long does this lasagna keep?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, cheesy layers and a flavorful meat sauce that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday celebration, or any special occasion, this lasagna is sure to become a crowd favorite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that is truly worth its weight in gold. Enjoy!

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