Million Dollar Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Million Dollar Lasagna is an unforgettable comfort food classic, made even better by using simple, high-quality ingredients like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella. The combination of these creamy elements with the tangy tomato sauce and savory sausage makes this lasagna irresistible. It's easy to prepare, and you can even make it in advance, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Best of all, it freezes well for future meals, ensuring you always have something delicious on hand!

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles

• 1-¼ lbs Italian sausage or ground beef

• 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce

• 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese

• 1 (8-oz) block of cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set them aside.

3. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Set the mixture aside.

6. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan.

7. Layer 6 lasagna noodles on top, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the pan.

8. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Layer one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese.

9. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle with ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese.

10. Repeat the layers, starting with 6 lasagna noodles and ending with the remaining meat sauce and parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

11. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

12. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 people

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Meat substitutions: If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or turkey sausage.

• Cheese choices: You can use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of mozzarella slices if that's more convenient.

• Vegetarian option: For a meatless version, replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing leftovers: You can store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: If you want to make the lasagna ahead of time, prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat frozen lasagna, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight, then cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through. If you're reheating refrigerated lasagna, bake at 350ºF for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to Step 7, refrigerate it, and bake it later. This makes it a great option for meal prep.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna should be bubbling around the edges and golden on top. Let it rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.

Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.

How can I make this lasagna spicier?

To add some heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.

Can I make this lasagna with gluten-free noodles?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles if you're following a gluten-free diet.

How long should I bake this lasagna?

Bake the lasagna for 25 minutes covered with foil, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until bubbly.

Can I freeze this lasagna after baking?

Yes, once baked, lasagna can be frozen. Be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

How do I keep the lasagna from being too watery?

Make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly and simmer the meat sauce long enough to reduce the liquid. You can also use less tomato sauce if you prefer a thicker texture.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and indulgent dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy days. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal, this lasagna will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to freeze, so you’ll have a comforting meal ready for whenever you need it.

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Million Dollar Lasagna

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Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, comforting dish that combines creamy cheeses, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta in a layered masterpiece. It's easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy days.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles

1-¼ lbs Italian sausage or ground beef

1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce

2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese

1 (8-oz) block of cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sour cream

1 egg, beaten

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1 lb mozzarella cheese slices

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Set aside.
6. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan.
7. Layer 6 lasagna noodles on top, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the pan.
8. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Layer one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese.
9. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle with ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese.
10. Repeat the layers, starting with 6 lasagna noodles and ending with the remaining meat sauce and parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Meat substitutions: Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Cheese choices: Use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of slices if more convenient.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for an extra kick.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking at 350ºF for 30-40 minutes if frozen or 20-25 minutes if refrigerated.
• Can be prepared ahead by assembling up to Step 7, refrigerating, and baking later.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 65mg