Description
A show-stopping lasagna layered with rich beef and sausage ragu, creamy cheeses, and gooey mozzarella. Ideal for family gatherings, special celebrations, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 12.3 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1.7 cups tomato sauce
- 2.1 oz tomato paste
- 0.5 oz granulated sugar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1.5 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4.2 oz full-fat sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 2.1 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 7 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 12 uncooked lasagna noodles (about 8.8 oz)
- 8.8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping
- 1.4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned throughout.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook on medium-low until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Make the Sauce: Add the marinara, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, fennel seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and ricotta until smooth. Mix in sour cream, the egg, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, parsley, and garlic powder until fully combined.
- Prepare the Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook lasagna noodles until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a towel.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer four noodles on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and one-third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with noodles and the remaining sauce.
- Cheese Topping: Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Cover with foil, tenting it slightly to avoid touching the cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or cheeses. For a lighter version, substitute the meat with ground turkey or use whole wheat noodles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lasagna, Italian meal, comfort food, family recipe, gourmet dish