Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes. - Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), egg, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix well until creamy. - Cook Lasagna Noodles (if not oven-ready):
Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Assemble the Lasagna:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish:- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture.
- Add ⅓ of the meat sauce.
- Repeat layers two more times: noodles, cheese, meat.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. - Rest & Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Would you like a printable or Pinterest-style card for this recipe too?