Cheesy Baked Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jars (24 oz / 680 g each) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 15 oz (425 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles, boiled until just underdone
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the meat: Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onion and garlic after 3 minutes. Cook until fully browned and the onion is soft, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Drain off excess fat.

2. 2

   Simmer the sauce: Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Mix the cheese filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth. Add the sour cream, ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined with no lumps remaining.

4. 4

   Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in well-salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.

5. 5

   Layer the lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, half the cheese filling, 1 cup mozzarella, and a layer of sauce. Repeat with another layer of noodles, remaining cheese filling, 1 cup mozzarella, and sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella, and all the Parmesan.

6. 6

   Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.

7. 7

   Uncover and rest: Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling in spots. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.