Description
This Creamy Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich layers of Italian sausage, creamy cheese blends, and hearty tomato sauces baked to perfection. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s an indulgent yet approachable lasagna recipe with a velvety texture and a robust, savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles (fresh or dried)
Meat and Sauce
- 1.25 lbs Italian sausage (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 3 cups tomato-based pasta sauce
- 1.75 cups canned tomato sauce (crushed tomatoes preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 0.25 cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Cheese Topping
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
- 0.33 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside, laying them flat to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Sauces: In a bowl, mix the tomato-based pasta sauce with the canned crushed tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful and aromatic tomato sauce blend.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Stir until smooth and well integrated for a creamy consistency.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Layer cooked lasagna noodles on top, then add a generous portion of the cheese filling followed by more meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles topped by remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Evenly distribute sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer, and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese if using.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for Italian sausage to reduce fat content and calories.
- Using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese will give a smoother texture.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps the layers hold together better.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried parsley for a brighter flavor.
- Make-ahead option: assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
