Name: Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 large egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Prepare to be swept off your feet by the irresistible charm of Million Dollar Lasagna. This isn’t just your everyday pasta bake—it’s a sumptuous, cheeseboard-worthy creation that turns family dinners into celebrations. With layers of creamy, tangy cheese, savory meat sauce, and golden, bubbling mozzarella, every bite is as decadent as its name suggests. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dish delivers serious comfort and flavor with every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Million Dollar Lasagna is simpler than you might expect. Each ingredient takes on a starring role, weaving together hearty textures and rich tastes—all perfectly balanced for a showstopping meal.

Lasagna noodles: Go for classic or oven-ready, but be sure to cook them until just tender so they hold up during baking.
Ground beef: The savory base provides structure and a hearty, meaty layer.
Italian sausage: Lends an extra layer of spice and complexity—choose mild or hot based on your taste!
Onion: Finely chopped, it melts into the sauce and brings sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic: Just three cloves finely minced brings big aromatic depth to the sauce.
Marinara sauce: Pick your favorite jarred brand or homemade for that bright tomato flavor.
Ricotta cheese: The start of the “million dollar” creaminess—rich, smooth, and essential for the signature texture.
Cream cheese: Softened and blended into the filling for ultimate silkiness and richness.
Sour cream: A touch of tang that lightens and lifts the cheese layer.
Egg: Helps bind the cheeses together so every slice holds its shape beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: Shreds of stretchy, melty goodness create an iconic cheese pull and golden top.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharpness for finishing flavor.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs infuses the meat sauce with classic Italian flair.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and pizzazz at serving time.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Meat Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, getting your kitchen ready for the magic to happen. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion together. Break up the meat as it cooks—it should be browned and crumbly, while the onions turn translucent. This savory mixture is the foundation of your Million Dollar Lasagna. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. This quick step infuses everything with incredible aroma.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it all simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen. This step ensures each bite of your lasagna bursts with robust, herby character layered against the rich, meaty backdrop.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and egg. Blend until silky smooth—this dreamy mixture is what puts the “million dollar” in your lasagna. It bakes up creamy and luscious, filling the layers with indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Spoon a little meat sauce into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Lay down three noodles, then spread with half of your cheese mixture. Add one third of the meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat: noodles, rest of the cheese layer, more meat sauce, more mozzarella. Finish with the final noodles, the last of the meat sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and that all-important sprinkle of grated Parmesan to top it off.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling with irresistible appeal. Let the Million Dollar Lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps each piece keep its beautiful layers.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley is perfect for a little pop of color and brightness. If you like, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving—it’s like a tiny confetti party right on your plate. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also hit just the right note if you love a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna with crisp garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian loaf to mop up every last bit of sauce. For something lighter, a big green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette will keep things fresh and balanced. Roasted or sautéed vegetables—think zucchini ribbons, roasted broccoli, or garlicky green beans—round out the meal with vibrant color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Million Dollar Lasagna into an event by cutting it into tidy squares and stacking them slightly for height. Mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins make for a dramatic date-night presentation. For a family feast, serve it straight from the baking dish right at the table—the bubbling cheese and visible layers will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Million Dollar Lasagna makes some of the most crave-worthy leftovers. Let the lasagna cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. Refrigerated, it keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. Be sure each piece is sealed well, so it stays moist and doesn’t take on any fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze Million Dollar Lasagna either before or after baking! Wrap well in plastic and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Unbaked lasagna can go right into the oven from frozen (just add extra baking time), while cooked slices thaw and reheat easily. Label with the date and enjoy within 2 to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for a quick fix, or bake larger portions covered with foil in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a small splash of water or sauce over top if the lasagna looks a little dry, and always let it rest for a couple of minutes after reheating so it’s easier to serve.

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a popular lower-fat swap for ricotta in lasagna. Just make sure to drain it well so your cheese layer stays creamy and not watery. The taste will be a bit lighter, but your Million Dollar Lasagna will still be rich and delicious.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

No problem—use all ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken sausage for a different twist. You can also add a little more Italian seasoning or a pinch of fennel seeds to bring in the characteristic sausage flavor.

Can I assemble Million Dollar Lasagna a day ahead?

Yes! This dish is perfect for prepping ahead. Layer everything in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the ground meat and sausage and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a blend of your favorite veggies. You’ll still have the creamy layers and all the flavor, just without the meat.

Why does the lasagna need to rest before serving?

Letting Million Dollar Lasagna rest after baking is key! This pause gives the cheese and sauce a chance to firm up, so every slice holds its beautiful layers and doesn’t ooze apart when you serve it. Patience rewarded!

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a showstopper that never fails to win hearts, give Million Dollar Lasagna a spot on your dinner table. The creamy layers, bubbly cheese, and classic Italian-American flavors are sure to bring everyone together. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe. Layers of pasta, meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and savory seasonings come together to create a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and egg until smooth.
Layer the Lasagna: Start with a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Add noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.