Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna is seriously THE BEST lasagna we’ve ever eaten!!! SO easy to make and tastes like a million bucks. Lasagna noodles, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Serve with some garlic bread and a salad. Can make in advance and refrigerate. Freeze leftovers for later. We LOVE this lasagna casserole recipe!!!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce

1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste

1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

For the Cheese Mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 egg

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp dried parsley (optional)

1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles (boiled and drained)

1-2 tbsp olive oil (to prevent sticking on noodles)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.

Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, parsley, and garlic powder.

Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large baking dish (9×13), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

Layer with 3 lasagna noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and a layer of meat sauce.

Repeat the process, layering noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.

Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

Serve & Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread!

This lasagna is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for a special meal or gathering.

Enjoy!