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Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna That's Creamy and Irresistible

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a creamy, flavorful dish that delights every taste bud, perfect for dinner gatherings.
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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
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1 onion chopped; shallots can be used
  • 3 cloves garlic minced; fresh garlic preferred
  • 1 pound ground beef can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 pound Italian sausage can be omitted if desired
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes or substitute with tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste can replace with more crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or substitute with honey
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil or substitute with fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or use individual herbs like oregano
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese can substitute with blended cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
  • 1 egg can omit for a lighter dish or use flax eggs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan nutritional yeast can substitute
  • ¼ cup curly parsley or substitute with fresh basil or chives
For the Lasagna Layering
  • lasagna noodles or use gluten-free noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or mix of Italian cheeses
  • 2 tablespoons butter for brushing on top; can omit

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Incorporate ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking apart. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Season with dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Layer meat sauce at the bottom, then noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella.
  6. Repeat layering: noodles, remaining ricotta, half of the meat sauce, more mozzarella. Final layer with noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and mozzarella.
  7. Brush top with melted butter. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes until golden.
  8. Allow lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This lasagna is perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers!

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