Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty Italian-American dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to a bubbly, golden finish, this lasagna is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly and Toppings
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix the Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, blend together ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- The lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- For a lighter variation, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta and use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
- This dish freezes well, whether baked or unbaked, making it convenient for meal prep and leftovers.
