If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and indulgent Italian-American classic, this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly tender noodles, every bite delivers the kind of home-cooked love that makes you want to linger over the table a little longer. This recipe balances hearty ground beef and sausage with a luscious blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella to create a truly unforgettable lasagna experience that’s worthy of its glamorous name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its bold flavors and velvety textures. From the savory meat mixture to the creamy cheese blend, every component works together in harmony.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, flavorful base for the meat sauce.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a sweet-spicy depth and richness.
- 1 small onion (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce: The saucy heart that ties the meat and noodles together.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Gives a creamy, slightly tangy layer.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Elevates the richness and silkiness of the cheese filling.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moistness to the cheese mixture.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese filling for perfect slicing.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy layers.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Injects a sharp, nutty finish on top.
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready): The essential, tender pasta layers.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor as garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances all the elements perfectly.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion together until all the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 7 to 8 minutes. Adding the minced garlic towards the end releases its inviting aroma, cooking for an extra minute. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce, then let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry those flavors beautifully before turning off the heat.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, large egg, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients until smooth creates the luscious filling that gives this recipe its signature creamy texture. This step is key to ensuring every slice holds together while remaining incredibly moist and cheesy.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down three lasagna noodles, then spread one-third of the cheese mixture over them. Next, add one-third of the meat sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top, promising a golden and bubbly crust after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Removing the foil after this initial bake time invites the cheese on top to bubble and brown beautifully. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the lasagna is hot all the way through and irresistibly golden. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set perfectly.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Although the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a delightful burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness to every plate. If you want a little extra zing, a light dusting of more Parmesan just before serving can elevate the dish’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this dazzling lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is also an ideal companion, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Layer individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets and bake them for a personalized touch. Serving alongside colorful roasted vegetables on the side can add a vibrant contrast and round out this hearty comfort food with freshness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store leftover Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a convenient option for busy evenings when you crave a homemade dinner without the fuss.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes wonderfully, whether you bake it first or freeze it unbaked. For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep the lasagna moist if needed. Covering with foil when reheating in the oven helps maintain a tender texture and avoid dryness while reviving the rich, cheesy flavors you love.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef and Italian sausage bring classic flavor, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep that robust taste.
Do I have to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling?
If you’re using oven-ready noodles, there’s no need to boil them beforehand. Otherwise, cooking the noodles until al dente ensures they soften properly during baking without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assembling the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe a day in advance and refrigerating it before baking is a huge time saver. Just bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the cheese mixture?
If you prefer, replace cream cheese with extra ricotta or mascarpone to maintain creaminess. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the texture but still produce a delicious result.
How can I make this lasagna lighter?
Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese and use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage. Also, reducing the amount of mozzarella or choosing part-skim varieties can cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe enough for anyone looking to make a spectacular homemade meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Its layered combination of savory meat, rich cheeses, and tender noodles never fails to delight family and friends, making it a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of this comfort food treasure — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty Italian-American dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to a bubbly, golden finish, this lasagna is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly and Toppings
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix the Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, blend together ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- The lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- For a lighter variation, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta and use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
- This dish freezes well, whether baked or unbaked, making it convenient for meal prep and leftovers.
