This Million Dollar Lasagna

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Simmer the Meat Sauce 🥩🔥

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and diced onion. Cook until the meat is completely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors deepen and thicken up beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Million Dollar Filling 🧀🌀

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream.
2. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to whip the ingredients together until completely smooth and uniform.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Masterpiece 🏗️📐

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

1. The Base: Spread about 1 cup of your rich meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. The Noodles: Lay down 3 to 4 cooked lasagna noodles side-by-side over the sauce.
3. The Cream: Spread half of your creamy cream cheese mixture smoothly over the noodles.
4. The Shreds: Sprinkle 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese over the cream layer.
5. Repeat: Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, the remaining cream cheese mixture, and another cup of Mozzarella.
6. The Grand Finale: Top with your final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, the last cup of Mozzarella, and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for a gorgeous golden crust!

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly! ⏰🔥

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (tent it slightly so it doesn’t stick to the cheese!).
2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.
3. Carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and sports beautiful golden-brown spots.