Description

This Lasagna Dip is a warm, cheesy, and savory appetizer perfect for sharing. Featuring layers of browned ground beef or Italian sausage in marinara sauce, combined with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with bubbly melted mozzarella, it’s an irresistible dip that brings all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of assembling individual noodles. Great for parties or cozy nights in, served with crusty bread, crackers, or chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Cheese Mixture

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

To Serve

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty bread, crackers, or chips for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Then add the marinara sauce and let it simmer briefly. Remove the skillet from heat.
Prepare the Creamy Layer: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the mixture and combine well.
Assemble the Dip: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with the meat and marinara mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the Dip: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
Serve: Carefully remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or chips for dipping.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a mix for extra flavor.
The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice hint of heat.
Using fresh mozzarella can be a delicious alternative to shredded.
Leftover dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American