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Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna for Ultimate Comfort Nights

Experience the warmth of Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, a family recipe brimming with nostalgic flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef Use turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 pound mild Italian sausage Substitute with spicy sausage for heat
  • 1 medium onion Chopped; shallots can be used as a milder alternative
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced; opt for fresh for the best impact
  • 2 cans San Marzano tomatoes Sweet smoother sauce; substitute with canned whole tomatoes if needed
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Enhances richness in the meat sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Balances acidity
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Homemade blends can be more aromatic
  • to taste salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste pepper Essential for seasoning
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 16 ounces whole milk ricotta Avoid part-skim for the best flavor
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan Avoid pre-grated for better melting
  • handful parsley Fresh for a vibrant flavor
For the Noodles
  • 12 ounces lasagna noodles Choose from oven-ready sheets, boiled, or fresh
For the Top Layer
  • 4 cups freshly shredded mozzarella Pre-shredded is not recommended

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • mixing bowl
  • large pot
  • lasagna pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, brown ground beef and mild Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, around 3-4 minutes. Stir in San Marzano tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, beaten egg, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add chopped parsley, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook lasagna noodles until just shy of al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a lasagna pan, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down noodles over the sauce, spread half of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering, finishing with noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and extra mozzarella.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
  6. Let lasagna rest for 20-25 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a personalized touch, don't hesitate to experiment with seasonings like fresh basil or oregano. Quality ingredients greatly enhance the final dish's flavor.

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