If you are searching for a lasagna that truly stands out, let me introduce you to the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe. This dish is the perfect marriage of rich, savory meat sauce and a luscious, creamy cheese filling, layered between tender noodles and topped with a bubbly golden crust. Every bite bursts with comforting Italian flavors, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every portion is perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds robust flavor and hearty texture to the meat sauce.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Infuses the sauce with a savory, slightly spiced depth.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a zesty punch that complements the meats beautifully.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The saucy base that ties all ingredients together with its rich tomato taste.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds fresh texture and bursts of juiciness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings essential Mediterranean herbs to the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances every savory element in the dish.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy layer within the lasagna.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Elevates the creaminess for that indulgent finish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and richness to the cheese mixture.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese layers together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, sharp notes to the filling.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Gives the dish its melty, gooey topping and cheese layers.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles): Provides the tender, yet firm structure to hold everything together.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. This step ensures your meat is deeply flavorful and well-cooked. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and release their aromas. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow melding of flavors creates a rich, hearty sauce that’s the foundation of our Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will add a luscious, velvety texture to your lasagna. This cheese blend is what sets this recipe apart and truly earns it the “Million Dollar” title.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This preparation is key to ensuring your lasagna doesn’t lose any of its precious layers when it’s time to serve.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Begin by spreading a thin layer of your savory meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to keep noodles moist as they bake. Then layer 3 lasagna noodles, followed by one-third of the creamy cheese mixture and a generous portion of meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times for that perfect ratio of cheese, noodles, and sauce in each bite. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the last cup of shredded mozzarella on top to get that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and beautifully browned. Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes — this step helps the layers set up so that your slices stay perfect and you can savor every bit of the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe experience.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor of your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a bright herbal note and stunning color contrast. For a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes scattered on top never disappoint. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can also lend a lovely richness that ties every element together.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with fresh, crunchy sides creates a balanced plate. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added texture. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks complement the cheesy layers while making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe a centerpiece visually? Serve it straight from a rustic baking dish to highlight those luscious layers or plate individual servings with a delicate drizzle of marinara sauce shaped artistically around the edge. You can also try layering the components in mini ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for dinner parties or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna is famously good the next day, thanks to the melding of flavors overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This not only keeps it fresh but makes for an easy, ready-to-go meal that tastes nearly as good as fresh from the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire lasagna or individual portions for longer storage. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn and preserve flavor. Frozen lasagna lasts well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion or the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated throughout, usually about 20-30 minutes for a whole dish, or less for single servings. For a quicker microwave method, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat in intervals, stirring the cheese layer gently to melt evenly. Either way, your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe will return to its comforting, gooey glory.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables along with extra herbs. The creamy cheese and sauce layers still create that indulgent texture and flavor that make this recipe so special.
What is the difference between ricotta and cottage cheese in this recipe?
Ricotta provides a smoother, creamier texture with a mild sweetness, while cottage cheese adds a bit more texture and tang. Both work well, so choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles save time and work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to use enough sauce to keep the noodles hydrated during baking.
Is it okay to prepare the lasagna the day before baking?
Definitely. Assembling the lasagna in advance allows the flavors to meld even more, and you simply cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How can I make the top cheese golden and bubbly?
Removing the foil halfway through baking lets the cheese brown beautifully. If you want an extra golden crust, you can finish with a quick broil for 2-3 minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of classic flavors, creamy cheese indulgence, and comforting Italian goodness. I truly hope you give it a try and find, like I did, that it quickly becomes a treasured favorite that brings smiles and warmth around your table.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy layered pasta dish combining savory ground beef and Italian sausage with a luscious cheese mixture, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella on top. This comforting Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners and 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
Additional
- 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. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the meat in the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet mixture.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Mix Until Smooth: Stir all the cheese ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Noodles: Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce layer.
- Add Cheese and Meat Sauce Layers: Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering two more times with noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Finish Assembly: Top with the final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For easier preparation, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used instead of pre-cooked noodles.
- Let the lasagna rest before serving to ensure it slices cleanly and the layers hold together well.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meat sauce.
- The creamy cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time on the day of baking.
- If you prefer a spicier lasagna, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce during simmering.
