Million Dollar Lasagna

 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, mincedADVERTISEMENT
• 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)ADVERTISEMENT
• 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, dividedADVERTISEMENT

For the Pasta Layer:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use no-boil noodles)

 Directions

1️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned.
• Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes.ADVERTISEMENT

2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

• In a bowl, mix together:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Egg
  • Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup of mozzarella cheese

 Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer 1: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.ADVERTISEMENT
3. Layer 2: Place 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Layer 3: Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Layer 4: Top with more meat sauce.
6. Repeat layers twice more, ending with noodles and remaining meat sauce.
7. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

 Bake It

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
• Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

 Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yields: 8–10 servings

 Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of spicy and mild sausage for extra flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free noodles or use zucchini slices for a low-carb version.
• Add a layer of spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
• Make ahead and freeze—this lasagna freezes beautifully.

 Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil