Introduction
Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share with you my easy and delicious recipe for Million Dollar Italian Lasagna. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cozy family dinners and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
Now, let’s dive into why this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna recipe is a real winner in my book. I make this when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a comforting meal. My family goes crazy for this dish because of its rich flavors and layers of cheesy goodness that always hit the spot.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
(Before we start, let me tell you about the time I accidentally added double the amount of cheese to this lasagna – let’s just say it was a happy mistake!)
Ingredients
For this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna, you will need:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of crushed tomatoes
– 1 can of tomato sauce
– 2 teaspoons of sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
(I sometimes use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option, and it works just as well!)
Now, let’s move on to the directions!
Directions
To start, heat a pan over medium heat and add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Now, it’s time to assemble the lasagna. Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce in a baking dish, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles and a layer of ricotta cheese mixture.
(This is where I usually sneak a taste of the sauce – it’s hard to resist!)
Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
(Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy – that’s the beauty of homemade lasagna!)
Notes
Through my trials and errors with this recipe, I’ve found that letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps to set the layers and makes it easier to slice and serve.
(I once forgot to let it rest and ended up with a delicious but slightly messy plate!)
Variations
As an adventurous cook, I’ve experimented with different variations of this lasagna recipe. One time, I tried adding spinach to the ricotta cheese mixture, but it turned out a bit watery, so I stick to the classic version now.
(It’s all about finding what works best for your taste preferences!)
Equipment
If you don’t have a lasagna pan, a regular baking dish works just fine. The key is to make sure the layers are evenly distributed for a perfect bite every time.
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna never lasts more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a delicious meal the next day.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. The combination of flavors and textures is simply unbeatable!
Pro Tips
After many trials in the kitchen, I’ve learned that patience is key when making lasagna. I once tried rushing the layering process and ended up with a messy, uneven dish that didn’t hold together well.
(Trust me, taking your time pays off in the end!)
FAQ
Q: Can I use gluten-free noodles for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles for a delicious gluten-free version of this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna.
Q: How long can I freeze this lasagna for?
A: I typically freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, but honestly, it’s so good that it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Made Easy
Impress your guests or treat yourself to a comforting meal with this easy and delicious Million Dollar Italian Lasagna. Layers of rich flavors and cheesy goodness make this lasagna a real winner!
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can crushed tomatoes
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1 can tomato sauce
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2 teaspoons sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lasagna noodles
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Ricotta cheese
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Mozzarella cheese
Directions
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Heat a pan over medium heat and cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender.
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Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
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Assemble the lasagna by layering meat sauce, lasagna noodles, and ricotta cheese mixture in a baking dish.
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Repeat the layers and finish with mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
