Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna recipe is a showstopper with its blend of savory beef, sausage, and creamy cheese layers. The balance of flavors and textures makes each bite a delight. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Creamy and cheesy: The cheese layers, featuring ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, create a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Rich, savory meat sauce: The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and marinara sauce creates a rich and flavorful base that complements the creamy cheese perfectly.
• Easy to make: Although it looks impressive, this lasagna is simple to prepare, with easy-to-follow instructions that anyone can handle.
• Hearty and filling: The generous portions will leave everyone feeling satisfied, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

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 teaspoon 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary.
4. Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the remaining meat sauce.
5. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) two more times. Finish with the last layer of meat sauce and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake the Lasagna:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based protein or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a meatless version.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover the lasagna with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How long should I bake the lasagna?

You should bake the lasagna for a total of 40-45 minutes—25 minutes covered with foil, then another 15-20 minutes uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use no-boil noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use no-boil noodles in this recipe. Just make sure to check the package instructions for cooking times and adjust accordingly.

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Yes, lasagna freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-60 minutes.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Lasagna?

This lasagna pairs perfectly with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is an excellent substitute for ricotta and provides a similar creamy texture. Just be sure to drain it well before using.

How can I make the lasagna creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, use more cream cheese or add a bit of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.

Can I add more vegetables to the lasagna?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce or cheese layer for additional flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the diced tomatoes and use less marinara sauce if necessary. You can also let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the sauce set.

How can I make the top layer crispy?

For a crispy golden crust, broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is a comfort food masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. With its flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese layer, and perfectly baked pasta, this lasagna will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

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