Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, creamy, and indulgent twist on the classic lasagna. The name comes from its luxurious ingredients, like cream cheese, ricotta, and lots of melted cheese, giving it that “million-dollar” taste! Here’s a recipe for this decadent dish:

Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12-15 lasagna noodles (depending on size of your pan), cooked and drained
• Extra mozzarella cheese for topping (about 2 cups)

Instructions:

1. Make the meat sauce:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (and sausage, if using) over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks.
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt & pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

2. Prepare the creamy cheese layer:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread about 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
   • Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese, meat sauce) two more times until all the ingredients are used up.
   • Finish with a layer of meat sauce on top, and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake the lasagna:

   • Cover the lasagna with foil (to prevent sticking, you can either spray the foil with cooking spray or use parchment paper).
   • Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

5. Let it rest:

   • After baking, let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can make this lasagna ahead of time! Assemble it, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• If you want an even more indulgent version, you can add some cooked spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce or the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• You can also use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, or other Italian cheeses to customize the flavor.

This creamy, cheesy lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd or for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. It’s a guaranteed winner for family dinners or gatherings! Would you like to add or change any ingredients?