Sure! Here’s a popular recipe for Million Dollar Lasagna, which is a rich and creamy version of lasagna, packed with layers of cheesy goodness, meat sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture. It’s called “Million Dollar” because it’s a decadent and indulgent version of the classic.
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup sugar (to balance acidity)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles (boiled according to package instructions or no-boil noodles)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the meat sauce:
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using regular lasagna noodles, cook according to the package instructions and drain.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella) until you run out of ingredients. End with a generous layer of mozzarella on top, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’ll definitely have your taste buds singing!