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Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavorful comfort food classic. Surprisingly simple to make thanks to uncooked noodles that cook in the sauce, it's perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, and guaranteed rave reviews.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Filling
  • 1 package lasagna noodles 8 oz, uncooked
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Make the meat sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat. Drain excess grease.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: While the sauce simmers, make the cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Lay a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, side by side.
  7. Step 7: Dollop spoonfuls of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles and gently spread it out evenly.
  8. Step 8: Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese.
  9. Step 9: Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) until you've used all ingredients, ending with a generous layer of meat sauce on top.
  10. Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Step 11: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  12. Step 12: Carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden-brown and bubbly.
  13. Step 13: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set.

Notes

You can use no-boil noodles if preferred; ensure sauce is moist. Rest the lasagna for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices. Ensure your meat sauce is saucy enough to cook the uncooked noodles. Cover tightly with foil for the initial bake. Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator; add extra baking time if starting cold. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.