Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

 

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or sweet)

1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 egg

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half of the cheese mixture, and 1/3 of the meat sauce.

Repeat with another 3 noodles, remaining cheese mixture, and 1/3 of the meat sauce.

Top with the final 3 noodles, remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15–20 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.