🧀 Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Meat Sauce
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half sausage)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
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15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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1 large egg
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Lasagna
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9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
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2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare meat sauce
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned and onions are softened.
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Drain excess fat.
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Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
2. Prepare cheese mixture
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In a bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Assemble lasagna
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
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Layer noodles over sauce, then spread half the cheese mixture, then a layer of meat sauce.
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Repeat layers: noodles → cheese mixture → meat sauce.
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Finish with noodles on top, remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake
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Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and serve
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Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a green salad.
🌟 Tips
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Creamier version: Use part cream cheese in the cheese mixture for extra richness.
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Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini layers for extra flavor.
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Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate; bake the next day for deeper flavor.
I can also give a “quick Million Dollar Lasagna” version that layers everything in one pan and bakes in under 45 minutes — perfect for weeknights. Do you want that version?
