If you are craving a truly indulgent and comforting meal that will wow your family and friends, look no further than the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe. This lasagna takes the classic Italian favorite and elevates it with layers of rich, savory meat sauce and a creamy, cheesy filling that blends ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella to absolute perfection. The beautiful balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Once you try this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe, it’s likely to become your go-to comfort food that everyone requests again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward with ingredients that are simple but essential. Each one plays a big role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and that perfect cheesy pull that makes lasagna so irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory base with a rich meaty flavor.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds an extra layer of spice and depth.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Gives the sauce its aromatic punch.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The tomato foundation that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness to the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend to enhance Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning balance.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: Adds creamy richness and soft texture.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Ensures the filling is extra creamy and decadent.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a slight tang and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture for perfect layering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty notes to enhance the overall taste.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: The quintessential melty cheese that crowns the dish.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles): The hearty layers that hold everything together.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef and Italian sausage until they’re cooked through and deliciously fragrant. This combination creates a robust base bursting with flavor. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their sweet aroma.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory meat sauce that’s pure comfort in every spoonful.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
While the meat sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta or cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella in a bowl. Stir this blend until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what makes the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe truly special, adding a silky, decadent texture that complements the meat sauce.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for assembly and baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the dish—this prevents sticking and adds flavor to every bite. Then layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this pattern two more times, building rich, satisfying layers. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and the last cup of mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let the flavors meld and cheese melt. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Letting the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking allows it to set up nicely, making slicing easier and the flavors even more pronounced.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to this rich dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of Parmesan just before serving can take the presentation and flavor up a notch.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance its richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is fantastic for soaking up every last bit of the sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for single servings that look impressive. You can also prepare the lasagna in disposable aluminum pans for easy transport to potlucks or family gatherings, while keeping all the delicious appeal of the full dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for delicious next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
The Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna beforehand and freeze it either raw (tightly wrapped) or fully baked. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until hot and bubbly. This makes it a convenient make-ahead meal option for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain its crispy top and melty cheese. Microwaving works too, but the oven method keeps that fresh-from-the-oven texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver. Just make sure to use enough sauce to keep the layers moist since these noodles absorb more liquid while baking.
Can I substitute the ground meat for a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to create a vegetarian version while still keeping the dish hearty and flavorful.
Do I have to use cream cheese in the cheese mixture?
The cream cheese adds an extra level of creaminess that sets this lasagna apart, but if you want a lighter option, you can use additional ricotta or cottage cheese instead.
How far in advance can I assemble the lasagna before baking?
You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out and bake when ready.
What is the best way to ensure the lasagna doesn’t dry out while baking?
Covering the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking traps moisture and helps cook the noodles evenly, preventing dryness. Removing the foil at the end lets the cheese brown beautifully without drying out the rest.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comfort and joy that comes from a homemade lasagna, and the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe brings that experience to a new level of richness and flavor. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, meaty layer as much as I do!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy baked Italian-American dish featuring layers of savory meat sauce, a luscious cheese mixture, and tender noodles. Combining ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, this lasagna offers comforting flavors baked to bubbly perfection, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat; cook until the onion is softened and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it properly to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times for a total of three layers.
- Final Layer: Finish by layering three lasagna noodles on top, covering with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to set the layers and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a slightly different texture and lower fat option.
- No-boil noodles can be used to save time, but follow package instructions for best results.
- Letting lasagna rest before cutting helps retain layers and improves presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a richer flavor, try adding fresh basil or oregano to the meat sauce.
