Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 lb ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.

   • Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.

   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

   • Add a layer of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.

   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

4. Bake the Lasagna:

   • Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

   • Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious, comforting Million Dollar Lasagna!