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–+ servings

Cream Cheese Lasagna

This Cream Cheese Lasagna combines creamy textures of cream cheese and ricotta for a deliciously hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 8 servings

Ingredients

Lasagna Ingredients

  • 12 oz Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) No-boil noodles save a step; if using them, ensure your sauce is slightly more liquid.
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Soften to room temperature for a lump-free mixture.
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese Salt the ricotta lightly — it’s often bland on its own.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix) Can swap part of beef for sausage for more flavor.
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred) Reduce thin store-bought sauce on the stove for 10 minutes to thicken before assembling.
  • 1 large egg
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Taste before assembling.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano/basil)

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions for al dente, drain and lay them flat to cool; if using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until no pink remains. Drain excess fat and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in ricotta, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined and creamy.

Assembly

  • Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Scatter a portion of the cooked meat over the cheese, then spoon more sauce on top.
  • Repeat layering (noodles → cheese mixture → meat → sauce) until you reach the top of the dish. Finish with a final layer of noodles, cover with sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Baking

  • Cover the dish tightly with foil (spray foil lightly with cooking spray so cheese doesn’t stick) and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting to ensure clean slices.
  • If you want a deeper-browned top, broil for 2-3 minutes after uncovering, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.

Notes

Serve generous squares with a bright green salad to cut the richness. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables round out the meal. For a cozy dinner, pair with a medium-bodied red wine.