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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Million Dollar Italian Lasagna recipe. This show-stopping dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or Sunday family dinners. The secret to its incredible creaminess lies in the combination of cottage cheese and cream cheese, creating layers that are as pillowy soft as they are flavorful.
I first made this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna for my sister’s birthday, and it quickly became our go-to celebration dish. The rich cream cheese layer is what sets this lasagna apart, sparking conversations and second helpings around the table. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, each bite promises a taste of pure indulgence.
With a perfect balance of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles, this Italian American classic brings a touch of tradition to your home. Get ready to create lasting memories and empty pans with this irresistible Million Dollar Italian Lasagna recipe.
Quick Benefits
- Creamy layers of cottage cheese and cream cheese create a pillowy soft texture that sets this lasagna apart from classic versions.
- Make-ahead convenience: assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then simply bake when ready to serve.
- Versatile ingredient options allow for customization, including swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey and using ricotta or blended Greek yogurt and cream cheese instead of cottage cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Decadent Italian Lasagna Recipe: Million-Dollar Taste in Every Bite Recipe
- This lasagna is a guaranteed hit for Sunday dinners or special occasions, making it a perfect centerpiece dish that will draw raves from your guests.
- The combination of creamy cottage cheese and softened cream cheese creates pillowy soft layers that set this lasagna apart from classic recipes, making it a memorable and unique dish.
- The rich cream cheese layer is a standout feature that guests will rave about, making it a popular choice at celebrations and gatherings.
- The lasagna can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to four days, allowing for easy reheating of individual portions for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.
- You can customize the recipe by swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey or meatless alternatives, and using ricotta or a Greek yogurt and cream cheese mixture if cottage cheese is not available, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
- The lasagna freezes well, allowing you to prepare it in advance and have a convenient meal option ready to go whenever you need it.
- Serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian meal, garnishing with extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-quality finish.
- This recipe brings the tradition of Italian American lasagna to your home table, offering a taste of comfort and nostalgia that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients for Decadent Italian Lasagna Recipe: Million-Dollar Taste in Every Bite
Pasta and Meat
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 680 g tomato-based pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 567 g Italian sausage or ground beef
- 454 g canned tomato sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 egg, beaten
- 227 g cream cheese, softened
- 680 g cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 60 ml sour cream
For Layering
- 454 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 50 g grated parmesan cheese
Pro Tips for Decadent Italian Lasagna Recipe: Million-Dollar Taste in Every Bite
To make a truly indulgent Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, try combining Italian sausage and ground beef for a flavorful twist on the meat sauce. The mix of cottage cheese and cream cheese creates a lusciously rich and creamy filling that sets this lasagna apart from the rest. For a lighter version, consider swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or a meatless sausage alternative.
For a classic finish, serve this lasagna hot with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. Don’t forget fresh garlic bread to complete the meal. This recipe is perfect for celebrations as it can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve. Additionally, for those looking to make it in advance, the cooked slices freeze well so you can enjoy this decadent lasagna anytime with minimal effort.
How to Make Decadent Italian Lasagna Recipe: Million-Dollar Taste in Every Bite
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta
Preheat oven to 190°C. Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente following package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Meat Sauce
Cook Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add tomato-based pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Mix Cheese Layer
Combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, dried parsley in a large bowl and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble Layers
Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish. Spread 250 ml meat sauce over the bottom. Place 6 cooked lasagna noodles lengthwise with slight overlap. Layer with half of the cheese mixture, one-third of the mozzarella, half of the meat sauce, and 25 g parmesan. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Storage Tips
After preparing the Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, you can store the finished dish by cutting it into slices and tightly covering them in the fridge. This method allows you to keep the lasagna fresh for up to four days while maintaining its plush texture. For longer storage, wrap the lasagna portions well and freeze them for up to two months. Freezing in individual portions makes it easy to reheat single servings either in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until hot throughout or gently in the microwave.
If you’re looking to customize the lasagna, you can swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey or a meatless sausage alternative for a lighter version. While the recipe calls for cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or a well-blended mixture of Greek yogurt and cream cheese as alternatives. Additionally, mozzarella cheese in shredded form works just as well as sliced for layering in the lasagna. Remember to serve the lasagna hot with a side salad and garlic bread for a classic meal, garnishing with extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or a meatless sausage alternative. This adjustment will reduce the overall fat content of the dish while still providing a flavorful protein element.
While the recipe calls for cottage cheese, you can easily substitute it with ricotta cheese for a creamier filling. Additionally, a blend of Greek yogurt and cream cheese can be used as a substitute if you do not have either cottage or ricotta cheese on hand.
To save time, assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked. This not only allows the flavors to meld together but also makes it convenient to bake the lasagna when you are ready to serve, giving you a freshly baked dish with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful twist on serving this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, try cutting it into small squares after baking and serving them as individual appetizers at your next gathering. The bite-sized portions will make it easy for guests to enjoy the rich layers of cheese and meat sauce without the need for utensils.
Another creative idea is to layer the lasagna ingredients in a muffin tin to create mini lasagna cupcakes. Simply press a square of cooked lasagna noodle into each muffin cup, layer with the cheese and meat sauce mixture, and bake until golden and bubbly. These mini lasagnas are perfect for parties or potlucks, offering a fun and portable way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.
FAQs for Decadent Italian Lasagna Recipe: Million-Dollar Taste in Every Bite
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese in this recipe?
Yes, ricotta cheese is a popular alternative for a creamier filling, but cottage cheese keeps it light.
How should I prepare the lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Make sure to drain the cooked noodles thoroughly and let the lasagna rest after baking so the layers set up firmly.
Can I assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding extra time if it has been chilled.
Can I freeze this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna?
Yes, cooked slices freeze well. Wrap them tightly and thaw before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna as much as my family and I have. The creamy layers and hearty meat sauce make it a standout dish for any special occasion. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a celebration, this lasagna is sure to impress your guests and have them asking for seconds.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by swapping ingredients or adding your own twist. The beauty of lasagna is its versatility, so feel free to get creative in the kitchen. Remember, the key to a perfect lasagna lies in the layers of love and flavor you put into it. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite of this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna. Cheers to good food and happy memories shared around the table!
Decadent Italian Lasagna Recipe: Million-Dollar Taste in Every Bite
Indulge in layers of creamy cheese and hearty meat sauce in this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, a rich and flavorful centerpiece for special occasions.
Prep Time30 Minutes
Cook Time55 Minutes
Total Time85 Minutes
CuisineItalian-American
Skill LevelEasy
Servings12 Servings (One 23×33 cm pan)
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 680 g tomato-based pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 567 g Italian sausage or ground beef
- 454 g canned tomato sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 egg, beaten
- 227 g cream cheese, softened
- 680 g cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 60 ml sour cream
For Layering
- 454 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 50 g grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare Oven and Pasta: Preheat oven to 190°C. Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente following package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare Meat Sauce: Cook Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add tomato-based pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
-
Mix Cheese Layer: Combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, dried parsley in a large bowl and mix until well combined.
-
Assemble Layers: Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish. Spread 250 ml meat sauce over the bottom. Place 6 cooked lasagna noodles lengthwise with slight overlap. Layer with half of the cheese mixture, one-third of the mozzarella, half of the meat sauce, and 25 g parmesan. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining cheese.
-
Bake and Rest: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
