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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
The first step in making Million Dollar Lasagna is to prepare the hearty, flavorful meat sauce that will form the base of your lasagna. The key to this sauce is the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, which gives it a depth of flavor that you won’t get from ground beef alone.
1. **Brown the Meat**:
– In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
2. **Add the Vegetables**:
– Add the chopped onion to the pan with the meat and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
3. **Create the Sauce**:
– To the cooked meat and vegetables, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine everything well.
– Season the sauce with dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a slight sweetness.
– Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
Once your sauce is ready, set it aside.
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#### Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While your sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the creamy cheese filling that makes this lasagna truly special. The combination of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the meat sauce.
1. **Combine the Cheeses**:
– In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
– Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with the perfect balance of cheese flavors.
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#### Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the sauce and cheese mixture are prepared, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente (slightly firm) since they will cook further in the oven. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
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#### Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now comes the fun part: assembling your Million Dollar Lasagna!
1. **Prepare the Baking Dish**:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2. **Layer the Ingredients**:
– Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking to the pan.
– Lay down your first layer of cooked lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping if necessary.
– Spread a portion of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out with a spatula.
– Add a generous layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese mixture.
– Repeat this process—layering noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce—until you run out of ingredients, making sure the top layer is covered with meat sauce.
3. **Top with Cheese**:
– After you’ve finished layering, sprinkle the top of the lasagna with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
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#### Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Now that your lasagna is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection!
1. **Cover with Foil**:
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the top layer of cheese. This will help the lasagna cook evenly and prevent the cheese from burning.
2. **Bake**:
– Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
– After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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#### Step 6: Let It Rest
Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut neat, beautiful portions.
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#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the Million Dollar Lasagna into squares, garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired), and serve hot. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
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## Tips for the Best Million Dollar Lasagna
1. **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Whenever possible, use fresh mozzarella, high-quality ricotta, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will be.
2. **Let the Lasagna Rest**: Don’t skip the resting step! Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
3. **Feel Free to Customize**: While the traditional Million Dollar Lasagna uses a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, you can customize the filling by adding vegetables, different meats, or even making it a vegetarian dish.
4. **Make Ahead**: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight, and then bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
5. **Freeze Leftovers**: If you have leftovers, Million Dollar Lasagna freezes wonderfully. Just slice it into portions and store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.
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## Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is an upgrade on a classic Italian dish that’s worthy of its luxurious name. With its rich, creamy cheese layers, hearty meat sauce, and premium ingredients, it’s a dish that can turn any meal into a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving a decadent comfort food, this lasagna is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your family and friends with the ultimate lasagna recipe—they’ll be talking about it for weeks to come!
