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Introduction

This Million Dollar Lasagna earns its name by being rich, flavorful, and totally over-the-top in the best way possible. It combines layers of perfectly seasoned meat sauce, tender noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture that includes ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you just want to impress — it’s the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds… and thirds.

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Ingredients

🥩 Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Pinch of sugar (optional, to cut acidity)

🧀 Cheese Filling:

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)

🍝 Other:

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• Extra Parmesan and mozzarella for topping
• Olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
7. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

2. Cook the Noodles (If Needed)

• If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on parchment or foil to prevent sticking.
• If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.

3. Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and parsley until well combined.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Layer 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
6. Repeat layers two more times: noodles → cheese → meat sauce.
7. Finish with a layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake

1. Cover with foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
3. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes uncovered until bubbly and golden.
4. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing (this helps it hold its shape).

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Optional Toppings

• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Extra Parmesan at the table

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp Caesar salad 🥗, warm garlic bread 🥖, and a glass of red wine 🍷 (Chianti or Sangiovese, anyone?). Buon appetito!