Description
Creamy layers of million dollar lasagna promise an irresistible Italian-inspired comfort meal that melts hearts and satisfies serious pasta cravings. Rich cheeses, perfectly seasoned meats, and silky sauce combine to create a memorable dining experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (15 ounces) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray at 375F (190C).
- Boil lasagna noodles until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel.
- Combine ground beef and sausage in a large skillet, sautéing with diced onions and minced garlic until meat browns completely.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then incorporate marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and seasonings, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and chopped parsley until smooth and well-integrated.
- Construct the lasagna layers strategically: spread a thin meat sauce base, arrange noodles, generously dollop cheese mixture, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering process, ensuring even distribution.
- Crown the lasagna with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, then bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become crispy and bubbling.
- Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10 minutes before slicing, which helps maintain structural integrity when serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free cheese mixture for easier blending and consistent texture.
- Consider mixing different ground meats like beef and pork for a more complex, richer flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken and use low-fat cheese alternatives.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1530 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg