Description
This Million Dollar Creamy Beef Lasagna is a rich and indulgent dish combining layers of savory ground beef marinara, creamy cheese mixtures, and tender lasagna noodles. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it makes for a comforting and irresistible family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 24 oz marinara sauce
Lasagna and Cheese Mixture
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook the beef until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Simmer with Marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce along the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top, then spread a layer of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat this layering process until all components are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes outside the oven before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
- For best results, fully cook and drain lasagna noodles before layering.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance to deepen the flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be substituted with dried parsley if needed.
- To make ahead, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking prevents it from falling apart when sliced.
