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Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: Your New Comfort Food Classic

Enjoy the irresistible Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, a comforting dish that brings family together.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use lean ground beef to minimize grease.
  • 1 pound Mild Italian Sausage Substitute with spicy sausage for extra heat.
  • 1 medium Onion Sautéed for sweetness and aroma.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Opt for fresh minced garlic for the best impact.
  • 28 ounces San Marzano Tomatoes Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 14.5 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Improves sauce consistency.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Intensifies the richness of the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity in the sauce.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Provides a classic flavor blend.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Avoid part-skim ricotta for the best texture.
  • 1 large Egg Works as a binder for the ricotta layer.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is preferred over pre-grated.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Use fresh for better flavor.
For the Lasagna
  • 12 ounces Lasagna Noodles Options include traditional boiled, oven-ready, or fresh.
  • 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese Freshly shredded is recommended for the best melting.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch lasagna pan
  • large pot
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium heat, adding the ground beef and mild Italian sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes until well browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once the meat is cooked through, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Stir in the San Marzano tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste, mixing well. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the lasagna noodles, cooking them for 6-8 minutes, allowing them to become al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water.
  5. In a 9x13 inch lasagna pan, start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spread half the ricotta mixture on top, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover your assembled lasagna with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 20-25 minutes before slicing. This crucial step helps the layers set.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This lasagna can be customized with different meats and vegetables based on your preferences. It's perfect for meal prep and feeds a crowd, making it an ideal family recipe.

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