This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, gooey cheese, and tender lasagna noodles. It’s a show-stopping dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant!
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions, this rich, creamy, and cheesy lasagna will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
- Add onions and garlic, sautΓ©ing until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the creamy ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with meat sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Tips for the Best Lasagna
✔️ Let it rest – Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before slicing for perfect layers.
✔️ Use quality ingredients – A good marinara sauce makes a big difference.
✔️ Make ahead – Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
✔️ Freeze for later – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✅ Super rich & creamy – The secret ingredient? Cream cheese!
✅ Perfect for meal prep – Even better the next day!
✅ Feeds a crowd – Makes 8-10 servings.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors and a creamy, cheesy texture. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this lasagna is worth every bite!
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