Million Dollar Italian Lasagna (Printable Version)
Tender noodles and savory sausage blend with creamy cheese layers for a hearty, baked Italian favorite.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
225 grams lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
→ Meat Sauce
02 -
450 grams Italian sausage or ground beef
03 -
400 grams spaghetti sauce
04 -
400 grams tomato sauce
05 -
10 grams Italian seasoning blend
→ Cheese Mixture
06 -
450 grams cottage cheese, whole milk variety
07 -
225 grams cream cheese, softened
08 -
120 grams sour cream, full fat
09 -
1 large egg, beaten
10 -
5 grams dried parsley
→ Topping
11 -
225 grams mozzarella cheese slices
12 -
60 grams grated Parmesan cheese
# Steps:
01 -
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just tender but still firm. Drain well and lay flat on a clean cloth to prevent sticking.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage or ground beef until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, then add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and aromas develop.
03 -
In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Stir until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
04 -
Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Spread 240 ml (1 cup) of meat sauce evenly over the bottom. Layer six cooked noodles lengthwise in the dish, slightly overlapping to avoid gaps. Spread half of the cheese mixture gently over the noodles to avoid disturbing them. Arrange one third of the mozzarella slices in a single layer, spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over, and sprinkle with 15 grams (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan.
05 -
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, one third of mozzarella slices, remaining meat sauce, and another 15 grams (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese. Finish by layering with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a deeply cheesy top.
06 -
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 25 minutes. Remove foil carefully and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until cheese is golden and sauce bubbles. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, set layers.
# Notes:
01 -
Resting the dish after baking allows the layers to firm up, resulting in neater slices. Use block cheeses grated just before assembly for optimal melt and flavor.