Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe

You’ve found it! This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is the definitive recipe, perfect for any family dinner or special occasion. If you want to impress, you need to make this Italian masterpiece.

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) box of lasagna noodles

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot)

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 large egg

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

• Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the excess grease. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time, stirring occasionally.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. Lay the noodles flat on wax paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and the egg. Mix well until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

   • Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce onto the bottom of the dish.

   • Lay 3 to 4 lasagna noodles slightly overlapping over the sauce.

   • Spread half of the ricotta filling mixture evenly over the noodles.

   • Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

   • Repeat the layers: Noodles, the rest of the ricotta filling, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

   • Add a final layer of the remaining noodles and top with the last of the meat sauce.

   • Finish by sprinkling the final 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

5. Bake the Lasagna: Bake the lasagna, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

6. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving. This will help the layers set and make slicing much easier.

7. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving. Enjoy this truly delicious, Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe!