Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a luxurious, cheesy, and rich take on traditional lasagna, featuring layers of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a decadent ricotta cheese mixture. Infused with creamy cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings. It’s sure to impress your guests with its elevated flavors and indulgent texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of the ricotta mixture followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of ground beef and sausage.
- Chicken Version: Ground chicken can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Cheese Substitutions: Try provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Make-Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and baked the following day.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer.
- Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 50min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
