Name: Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; 1 egg; ½ cup grated parmesan; 12 lasagna noodles (boil or no-boil); 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 39 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a lasagna that feels like a warm hug from Italy itself, then the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe is going to become your new all-time favorite. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures—from the luscious layers of savory meat sauce to the creamy, dreamy ricotta blend topped with gooey mozzarella that melts into every bite. It’s a perfect centerpiece for family dinners, festive holidays, or any cozy night when you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something truly special. Every forkful tells a story of comfort, indulgence, and pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of many white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. On the top left is a bowl with white cottage cheese, next to it is a bowl of cooked ground meat with a brown color, beside that is a small bowl with a raw egg yolk in the middle of the white egg, and to the right are two whole garlic bulbs and a stack of light tan lasagna noodles on a white plate. Below these, a white bowl has red tomato sauce, near the center is a bowl of thick white cream or sour cream, and to its right is a bowl filled with raw ground meat with a red and pink color. Toward the bottom, there are two whole brown eggs, a white plate holding a block of pale yellow cheese, a bowl of red tomato sauce, and another bowl with shredded white cheese. The ingredients are neatly spread out with good lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a dish as sensational as this one, you might think it requires a long list of complicated ingredients—but you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Each item below plays a starring role, adding depth, texture, or that classic Italian flavor that makes this lasagna irresistible.

1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base with rich, meaty flavor.
1 lb Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, aromatic kick that deepens the sauce complexity.
1 onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a tender bite after sautéing.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the meat sauce with classic Italian aroma and warmth.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, slightly tangy tomato base essential to the sauce.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce nicely.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the sauce an authentic Italian flair.
Salt & pepper to taste: Balances and enhances every flavor in the sauce.
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese: Softens the texture of the cheese layer and adds creaminess.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Makes the cheese filling luxuriously smooth and rich.
½ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and helps create a velvety filling.
1 egg: Binds the cheese filling for perfect sliceability.
½ cup grated parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the cheesy layer.
12 lasagna noodles (boil or no-boil): The classic pasta sheets that hold everything together beautifully.
3 cups shredded mozzarella: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that’s utterly irresistible.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step unlocks the sweet, aromatic qualities of the aromatics that will be the foundation of your sauce. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook until nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep your lasagna from being greasy. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes to marry all the flavors together into a rich, luscious meat sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling

While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and grated parmesan in a mixing bowl. Stir these together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This blend is what transforms your lasagna from ordinary to extraordinary, adding that moist, cheesy texture that melts on your tongue with every bite.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

If you’re using traditional boiled noodles, cook them until al dente according to the package instructions, so they hold their shape but aren’t too soft. Alternatively, no-boil noodles simplify the process and still result in tender layers once baked. Whatever your choice, make sure to drain and set the noodles aside, ready to build your masterpiece.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Now for the fun and satisfying part. In a 9×13 baking dish, begin by spreading a generous layer of your meat sauce across the bottom. Lay down a portion of noodles, slightly overlapping, then dollop and spread the cheese filling evenly on top. Repeat this pattern—meat sauce, noodles, cheese filling—until you run out of ingredients. For the final layer, top with noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and a shower of shredded mozzarella to create that golden, bubbling crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to ensure the lasagna cooks evenly and retains moisture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown, bubbly cheese top that makes your kitchen smell like Italian heaven.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before cutting. This resting time lets the layers set for neat slicing and helps the cheese and sauce meld together in the most wonderful way possible.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe

A close-up image of browned ground meat cooking in a shiny silver pan on a black stove burner, with steam rising from the meat. A wooden spoon is stirring the meat from the right side of the pan. The background features a white marbled surface, and the pan handles are visible at the front and side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley right on top before serving. A light dusting of extra parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil also works wonders, elevating the dish’s presentation and taste effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrettes to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted Italian bread bring an added crunch, while roasted vegetables provide a wholesome, colorful accompaniment that rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on dinner, serve this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes, perfect for portion control and a charming presentation. You can also layer it in mason jars for an on-the-go treat or rustic party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna leftovers keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Freeze the entire dish or individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, wrap tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap or use vacuum sealing if possible.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat lasagna is in the oven. Cover with foil to retain moisture and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. This method preserves texture and flavor much better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the meat sauce for a delicious combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and your favorite marinara sauce. The cheese filling remains the same—rich and creamy—making it a fantastic vegetarian alternative.

Do I have to boil lasagna noodles?

No-boil noodles are a great time saver and will cook perfectly in the oven’s steam. However, if you prefer traditional boiled noodles, cook them until just al dente to prevent mushiness in the finished dish.

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just cover tightly with foil and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Why is my lasagna watery?

Watery lasagna usually happens when excess moisture isn’t drained properly—especially from cooked meat or vegetables. Make sure to drain grease after browning the meat and avoid adding extra liquidy ingredients. Also, covering with foil while baking traps moisture, so ensure your sauce is thick enough before assembling.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! While mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan create the classic flavor profile, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a unique twist on the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Rich and Cheesy Italian Comfort Food Recipe is like crafting a love letter to the heart of Italian cuisine right in your own kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and melts hearts with every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night when you crave something cozy and indulgent, this lasagna has your back. I promise once you try it, it will become a staple you’ll happily return to again and again. So grab your apron and get ready for some serious deliciousness that’s worth every minute spent!