Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan until smooth and well blended.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, then a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
7. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
10. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra depth.
• Use all ground beef or all sausage if preferred.
• Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a slightly lighter texture.
• Make it spicy by using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.

Tips

• Soften the cream cheese fully for the smoothest filling.
• Do not skip the resting time, as it helps the lasagna set cleanly.
• Cover loosely with foil to prevent sticking when baking.
• This lasagna tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.