Creamy Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
• 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 large Yellow Onion, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup Cottage Cheese
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.

2. 2

   Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

3. 3

   Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir together and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last 5 minutes, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

4. 4

   While the sauce simmers, make the cheese filling. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, dried oregano, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to combine until perfectly smooth and creamy.

5. 5

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

6. 6

   Lay down a single layer of no-boil lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary. Spread 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times: noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce.

7. 7

   For the final top layer, lay down the last of the noodles. Spread any remaining meat sauce over them. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

8. 8

   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.

9. 9

   After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. For an extra-crispy top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

10. 10

    Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 20-25 minutes before slicing and serving.