Million Dollar Lasagna Bake (Print Version)
Creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and tender noodles come together in this indulgent baked classic.
# Ingredients:
→ Meat Sauce
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
1 lb Italian sausage
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
05 -
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
06 -
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
08 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Creamy Cheese Layer
09 -
2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
10 -
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
11 -
1/2 cup sour cream
12 -
1 large egg
13 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Pasta Layer
15 -
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)
# Directions:
01 -
Brown the ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until flavors meld.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
03 -
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, then spread a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
04 -
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
05 -
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For a vegetarian variation, substitute the meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
02 -
To enhance cheesiness, add extra shredded mozzarella cheese before reheating leftovers.