Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy layers of this Million Dollar Lasagna. Packed with savory meat sauce, cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked noodles, this ultimate comfort dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For the Pasta Layer:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes on low heat.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer with 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by meat sauce.
- Repeat layers two more times.
- Finish with noodles, remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
You can assemble this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: ~550-600 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings)
