Million Dollar Lasagna

 Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or sweet)

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 egg

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)

Other Layers:

9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

3–4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Meat Sauce:

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

Stir in garlic, marinara, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

3. Mix the Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.

4. Cook Lasagna Noodles (if not using oven-ready):

Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

5. Assemble the Lasagna:

In a greased 9x13 baking dish:

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.

Add a layer of noodles.

Spread half the cheese mixture over the noodles.

Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.

Add more meat sauce.

Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and the remaining mozzarella.

6. Bake:

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Rest Before Serving:

Let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This helps it set up and makes serving neater.

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Pro Tips

For extra richness, use whole milk ricotta and full-fat sour cream.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a mild kick (optional).

Want to prep ahead? Assemble up to 2 days in advance or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a complete comfort food feast.