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- 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed frozen spinach) - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) To make Creamy Million Dollar Lasagna, you need fresh and flavorful ingredients. Start with lasagna noodles. They form the base of your dish. Choose good-quality cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. These cheeses give the lasagna its rich and creamy texture. Next, pick your ground meat. You can use beef or Italian sausage based on your taste. Marinara sauce adds a classic touch. It brings both flavor and moisture. Don't forget the vegetables! Onion, garlic, and spinach add depth. They also boost the nutrition of your meal. Use dried herbs like oregano and basil to flavor the meat sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little kick. Heavy cream makes the cheese layer smooth and creamy. Finally, keep salt and pepper on hand to season everything perfectly. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; each one plays a part in creating a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven is key to a great lasagna. A hot oven helps bake the dish evenly. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature gets the cheese bubbly and golden. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Drain the noodles and spread them out so they don't stick together. You can toss them with a little olive oil if needed. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Then, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook while stirring until the meat is brown and the onions are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it off. Now, stir in the marinara sauce. Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This lets all the flavors mix well. Fold in the chopped spinach and then remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Add a touch of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This layer adds richness to the lasagna. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start the layering process with a spoonful of meat sauce at the bottom. Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles. Follow this with another layer of meat sauce. Keep repeating: noodles, creamy mixture, and meat sauce. End with a final layer of noodles topped with the last of the meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil does not touch the cheese. Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. The lasagna is done when it is bubbly and the cheese is golden. Once you take the lasagna out of the oven, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time is important. It allows the layers to set. It also makes slicing the lasagna easier. Enjoy your delicious creation after this waiting period! To create a great cheese mixture, use equal parts ricotta and heavy cream. This will give you a rich texture. Add half of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Mix them well. I like to add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. If you want a hint of flavor, add a touch of garlic powder or nutmeg. This makes a creamy layer that melts beautifully. To keep your lasagna from getting soggy, avoid excess moisture. Drain the spinach well if using fresh or frozen. Cook the meat until brown and let it cool slightly before mixing with the sauce. Use a thick marinara sauce, as thin sauce adds water. Layer carefully, and do not over-sauce. This helps keep every layer distinct and delicious. For a beautiful presentation, cut the lasagna into neat squares. Garnish each slice with fresh basil leaves. Serve with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. This adds fresh flavor and crunch. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice. Enjoy every bite of your creamy million-dollar creation! Pro Tips Choose the Right Noodles: Use no-boil lasagna noodles for a quicker assembly and a more tender texture, as they absorb moisture from the sauce while baking. Layer Smart: Ensure each layer has a good balance of cheese and meat sauce to prevent the lasagna from being too dry or too soggy. Let It Rest: Always allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the layers firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. Make Ahead: Consider assembling the lasagna a day in advance and storing it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, and it can go straight from the fridge to the oven when you're ready to bake. {{image_4}} You can make a great vegetarian version of this lasagna. Just swap the meat for veggies. I love using mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. They give a nice flavor and texture. Sauté the veggies with onion and garlic until soft. Then, mix them with the marinara sauce. This change keeps the dish hearty and tasty. For those who need a gluten-free meal, you have options! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can find these in many stores. Also, check for gluten-free marinara sauce. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy taste without the gluten. Want to make your lasagna even creamier? Try adding more heavy cream to the cheese mix. You can also add more layers of cheese. Mixing in some ricotta or extra mozzarella can elevate the flavor. This will make your lasagna rich and dreamy with every bite. To store your lasagna, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want, you can also cover it with plastic wrap. This helps keep it moist. If you have a large portion, cut it into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to eat later. Remember to label the container with the date. Freezing lasagna is a great way to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the creaminess intact. When reheating, the goal is to keep it creamy and tasty. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream on top. This helps keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warm throughout. Enjoy your delicious lasagna just like fresh! This lasagna gets its name from its rich flavors and creamy layers. First, I use two types of cheese: ricotta and mozzarella. The ricotta adds a smooth texture, while the mozzarella gives that delicious gooeyness. I also add heavy cream, which brings a luxurious creaminess to each bite. Plus, I use fresh spinach for a pop of color and added nutrition. The meat sauce, made with ground beef or Italian sausage, is savory and filling. All these ingredients come together to create a dish that feels gourmet and special. Yes, you can prepare this lasagna ahead of time. Just follow these steps: - Assemble the lasagna as directed. - Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. - Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before wrapping. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to bake it straight from the freezer; it may need a little extra time in the oven. Reheating lasagna can be tricky, but I have some tips to keep it moist: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place your lasagna in an oven-safe dish. - Add a splash of water or extra cream on top to create steam. - Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warm all the way through. This method keeps the lasagna creamy and flavorful. This blog post covered all you need to make a great lasagna. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. We also shared tips to avoid sogginess and enhance flavor. Plus, you got ideas for vegetarian and gluten-free options. Don't forget to store leftovers properly. With these tips, you can enjoy perfect lasagna every time. Take your time and have fun in the kitchen. Your homemade lasagna will impress everyone!

Creamy Million Dollar Lasagna

A rich and creamy lasagna layered with savory meat sauce and a delicious cheese mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed frozen spinach)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until browned and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, then fold in the spinach and remove from heat.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the ingredients starting with meat sauce, then 3 lasagna noodles, half of the creamy mixture, and more meat sauce. Repeat until finished with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and shredded mozzarella.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword creamy, Italian, lasagna, pasta