Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, comforting dish featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles. This decadent lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella will make this lasagna a crowd favorite. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Million Dollar Lasagna delivers on flavor and satisfaction!
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- 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 excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce.
- Repeat layering with noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce two more times. Top with the last layer of meat sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based protein or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicier version.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate overnight. Add extra baking time when ready to cook.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly in plastic and foil and bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-60 minutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
