Million Dollar Lasagna Bake (Print Version)
Rich layers of beef, sausage, creamy cheeses, and pasta create an irresistible Italian comfort dish.
# Ingredients:
→ Meat Sauce
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1 pound Italian sausage
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
48 ounces marinara or tomato sauce
06 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
09 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Mixture
10 -
16 ounces ricotta cheese
11 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 -
1 cup sour cream
13 -
1 large egg
14 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Assembling and Topping
16 -
12 lasagna noodles, cooked
17 -
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
18 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Steps:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic. Stir in marinara or tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, large egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
03 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce evenly across the bottom. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spoon and spread an even layer of cheese filling over the noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
04 -
Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes until the top becomes golden and bubbling. Allow the dish to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing ensures clean portions and preserves the layered structure.