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–+ servings
Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: Comfort Food Made Easy

Experience the savory delight of Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, a creamy and hearty dish perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Lean variety (85% or higher lean)
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Can substitute with turkey sausage
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be swapped with vegetable oil
  • 1 large Onion Shallots can be used as an alternative
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used in season
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Ketchup may serve as a substitute
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Honey is a natural alternative
  • 1 tbsp Dried Basil Fresh herbs can offer a brighter flavor
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese blended until smooth is a substitute
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Cream cheese can replace it
  • 1 large Egg Flaxseed meal mixed with water can be a vegan alternative
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino can be used instead
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Use provolone for a different flavor
  • 12 oz Lasagna Noodles Opt for gluten-free varieties if needed
  • 2 tbsp Melted Butter Optional, can be omitted for a lighter dish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until no longer pink.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
  8. Finish with noodles topped with remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Brush with melted butter.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
  10. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Assemble in advance and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.

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