Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Other:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage until no longer pink. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
   Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
   In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
   • Spread ½ of the cheese mixture over noodles, then sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella.
   • Add a layer of meat sauce.
   • Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, sauce).
   • Top with final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil (lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
   Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

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