Name: Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.1 lb (about 500 g) ground beef (80/20); 12.3 oz Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1.7 cups tomato sauce; 2.1 oz tomato paste; 0.5 oz granulated sugar; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried basil; 1.5 tsp fennel seeds (optional); 1.5 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 16 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese; 4.2 oz full-fat sour cream; 1 large egg; 2.1 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated (in filling); 7 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (in filling); 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried); 1.5 tsp garlic powder; 12 uncooked lasagna noodles (about 8.8 oz); 8.8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping; 1.4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Description

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna features rich meat sauce, a creamy three-cheese filling, and a golden mozzarella crust, making it the perfect centerpiece for family meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

1.1 lb (about 500 g) ground beef (80/20)
12.3 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups marinara sauce
1.7 cups tomato sauce
2.1 oz tomato paste
0.5 oz granulated sugar
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1.5 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
1.5 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
4.2 oz full-fat sour cream
1 large egg
2.1 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated (in filling)
7 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (in filling)
3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
1.5 tsp garlic powder
12 uncooked lasagna noodles (about 8.8 oz)
8.8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping
1.4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, about 7–9 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, fennel, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and ricotta until smooth. Add sour cream, egg, Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until creamy.
Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay flat.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles, cheese filling, and meat sauce, repeating until ingredients are used, ending with meat sauce.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian