Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (or use more beef if preferred)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or pasta sauce
1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tbsp dried parsley
For the Layers:
9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
2 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Extra Parmesan for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Add the garlic, marinara, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes on low heat.
- Cook the Noodles
If not using oven-ready noodles, boil lasagna noodles according to package directions.
Drain and lay flat on parchment paper so they don’t stick.
- Make the “Million Dollar” Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Egg
1 cup mozzarella
½ cup Parmesan
Parsley
Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large baking dish (9×13 inches):
1️⃣ Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
2️⃣ Add a layer of noodles.
3️⃣ Spread a layer of the cheese mixture.
4️⃣ Add another layer of meat sauce.
5️⃣ Repeat layers (noodles → cheese → sauce) until you reach the top.
6️⃣ Finish with noodles, meat sauce, and a thick layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake
Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray so it doesn’t stick to the cheese).
Bake 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
🍽️ Tips for Best Results
Use a mix of meats (beef + sausage) for deeper flavor.
Adding cream cheese makes it rich and velvety — that’s the “million dollar” secret!
For extra flavor, layer a few slices of provolone or mozzarella between noodles.