Description
Million dollar lasagna showcases layers of rich, creamy cheese and savory meat sauce between delicate pasta sheets. Comfort cuisine from Italian kitchens reaches new heights with this indulgent family-style dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 lasagna noodles
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly prepare the baking setup by heating the oven to 350F and generously coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray.
- Combine ground beef, sausage, and diced onions in a large skillet, cooking over medium heat until meat browns completely. Quick sauté of minced garlic follows for maximum flavor infusion.
- Drain excess fat from meat mixture, then introduce marinara sauce and traditional Italian herbs. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Create creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cottage cheese, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Construct lasagna layers strategically: spread initial layer of noodles, followed by generous meat sauce coating, then dollop cheese mixture evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar between each layer for maximum cheese coverage.
- Shield lasagna with aluminum foil, bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Allow lasagna to rest and settle for 10 minutes after removing from oven. This helps maintain structural integrity when slicing. Serve immediately while warm for optimal taste experience.
Notes
- Prep meat thoroughly to ensure no pink remains, creating a safe and flavorful base for the lasagna.
- Drain fat completely after browning meat to prevent greasy texture and maintain a lighter dish.
- Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Test cheese mixture’s consistency by ensuring it’s smooth and well-blended before layering to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg