Description
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, it combines Italian sausage, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses for a hearty family meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Cheese Mixture
- 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
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, then spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat this layering two more times.
- Finish Layers: Top with a final layer of noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce evenly, and sprinkle the last cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Use no-boil noodles for convenience, adjusting layering accordingly.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold together better when sliced.
- Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning during the first part of baking.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
