If you crave rich layers of cheesy goodness, bold meaty depth, and a truly show-stopping comfort dish, this Million Dollar Lasagna is the answer to your dreams. Every forkful brings together a creamy, decadent cheese blend, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta, all melding into a lasagna that’s earned its lavish name. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a special gathering, this recipe transforms your table into the heart of the celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its collection of everyday ingredients, elevated by the way they’re combined. Each component, from the robust meat sauce to the ultra-indulgent cheese layer, plays a pivotal role in building flavor, texture, and color. Take a look at what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Ground beef: Brings hearty depth and classic lasagna flavor — use 80/20 for juiciness and richness.
- Italian sausage: Adds a boost of herby spice and keeps the meat sauce extra savory and juicy.
- Onion: Sautéing with the meats adds underlying sweetness and rustic body to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: For fragrant intensity and that quintessential Italian aroma.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz): The saucy base that ties every layer together; use your favorite store-bought or homemade.
- Diced tomatoes (14 oz can): Adds chunks of tangy tomato and balanced acidity.
- Italian seasoning: Those signature Mediterranean herbs give character and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Brings all flavors into perfect harmony.
- Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: For an ultra-creamy core — choose ricotta for classic texture or cottage for lighter results.
- Cream cheese: Blends seamlessly into the cheese mixture for next-level silkiness.
- Sour cream: Adds both tang and moisture to keep the layers luscious.
- Large egg: Binds the cheese mixture, ensuring it sets beautifully in the oven.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, umami punch that intensifies the cheeses.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey strands for that signature cheese pull.
- Lasagna noodles (12): The backbone of the casserole, whether boiled or the no-cook kind — they’ll cradle all that filling.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by setting a large skillet over medium heat, then brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together. As you break them apart, you’ll notice the kitchen fills with those delicious, savory aromas — this is where the magic starts. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic next, sautéing until the onion is translucent and everything is soft and golden. Stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and season well with salt and pepper. Let it all simmer gently for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can marry and deepen.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, whip up your cheese filling in a separate bowl: combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, the egg, grated Parmesan, and half of your mozzarella. Mix until it’s silky and slightly fluffy — this blend will give your lasagna that “million dollar” creamy layer guests can’t resist.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s perfectly hot for bubbling, golden cheese later. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks, making both assembly and serving a breeze.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your prepared dish. Top with three lasagna noodles (overlap them slightly if needed), then spread a third of your creamy cheese mixture over the noodles. Follow with another generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat: noodles, cheese, sauce. Do this until you’ve created three glorious layers, finishing off with the last of the noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and a big, even sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything meld and bubble. Then, uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the cheese on top is gloriously golden and the edges are visibly bubbling. Your house will smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Patience pays off here: let the Million Dollar Lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes out of the oven before slicing. This helps every layer set up for perfect, clean slices and lets flavors develop even more. Serve it warm and watch smiles appear around your table.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens the whole dish and adds a burst of color. If you want to take it up a notch, a little extra grated Parmesan just before serving delivers that final savory flourish. Red pepper flakes are a spicy bonus for anyone who likes a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs beautifully with classic garlic bread — its crunch and buttery flavor contrast perfectly with the creamy layers. A crisp mixed green salad, ideally tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, keeps things fresh and light beside our Million Dollar Lasagna. Don’t forget a glass of full-bodied red wine if you’re feeling a little fancy!
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style occasions, bring the whole bubbling dish straight to the table for a dramatic entrance. Want to impress? Serve individual squares atop shallow bowls of extra warm marinara, drizzled with pesto or scattered with microgreens. For kids (or adults who are kids at heart), use a cookie cutter to make playful shapes before plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Million Dollar Lasagna keeps like a dream. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. Refrigerated, it stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making for comforting lunches or speedy dinners.
Freezing
Lasagna is practically made for freezing. Assemble the entire lasagna but stop before baking. Wrap it well with foil and freeze for up to three months. Bake from frozen (covered) at 375°F, adding about 20-30 extra minutes, or thaw overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until piping hot, around 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces on medium power for a couple of minutes, but the oven method keeps those creamy layers and perfectly gooey cheese just right.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a fantastic substitute if you prefer a slightly lighter texture in the cheese layer. It still blends beautifully with the cream cheese and sour cream for that signature Million Dollar Lasagna richness.
What’s the best way to keep lasagna from being runny?
Letting your lasagna rest after baking is the secret weapon. This gives all the layers time to set and hold their shape. Also, try to fully simmer the meat sauce so excess moisture evaporates before layering.
Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate it covered, and then bake when ready. It’s perfect for entertaining or prepping weeknight dinners.
Which kind of lasagna noodles should I use?
Either traditional boiled noodles or no-boil noodles work wonderfully here. If using no-boil, ensure your sauce is a bit on the saucy side so the noodles absorb enough liquid and soften up during baking.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef and sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers. The creamy cheese mixture will still deliver the Million Dollar Lasagna experience without the meat.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Million Dollar Lasagna is a beloved favorite — every bite brims with cozy comfort and irresistible flavor. If you’re longing for a dish that feels like a big, warm hug (and makes you look like a kitchen superstar), don’t wait to try this recipe. You won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds!
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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the richness of this Million Dollar Lasagna, a decadent layered dish that combines hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. This classic comfort food is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550-600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
