Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna earns its name by being ultra-creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. This lasagna features hearty meat sauce, velvety cream cheese and ricotta layer, and gooey mozzarella — giving it that “million-dollar” richness and comfort.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned.

   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

   • Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

2. Make Cheese Layer:

   • In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Assemble Lasagna:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Layer 3 lasagna noodles, ⅓ of the creamy cheese mixture, ⅓ of the meat sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.

   • Repeat layers 2 more times, finishing with mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

   • Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

5. Garnish:

   • Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Would you also like a Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Lasagna version?
If yes, just say “Yes, Alfredo version!” 🍗🧄🧀