If you’re on the hunt for a lasagna that checks all the boxes of comfort, flavor, and absolute indulgence, then the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is here to steal your heart. This luscious layered lasagna combines a rich meat sauce with a creamy blend of cheeses, elevating a classic Italian-American favorite to something truly unforgettable. With its perfect balance of savory sausage, tender noodles, and a delightful cheesy goodness, every bite promises warmth and satisfaction. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is straightforward, and each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so special. From the hearty meats to the creamy cheeses and fresh seasonings, every component is essential.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds robust, savory flavor and a meaty texture that forms the foundation of the sauce.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a hint of spice and depth that perfectly complements the beef.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce: The saucy backbone that ties the meat and noodles together with rich tomato goodness.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Contributes a creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor in the cheese layer.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Delivers luscious creaminess that makes the cheese mixture decadently smooth.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and lightens the cheese filling.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binding agent holding the cheese mixture perfectly together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts delightfully, creating that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that finishes the layers with finesse.
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready): The essential structure giving you those perfect layers and bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild herbaceous note as garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and brings the dish to life.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Meat Sauce
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish so the lasagna won’t stick. Next, over medium heat, cook your ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion in a large skillet. It usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes to brown the meat thoroughly and soften the onions—this base is packed with savory goodness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to bring out that irresistible aroma. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish balanced, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly before taking it off the heat.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, a large egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and silky—that luscious mixture is what makes this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe truly shine. This creamy layer adds richness and light tang that perfectly complements the robust meat sauce.
Step 3: Layering Your Lasagna
Now the fun begins! Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and infuses flavor right from the base. Next, lay down three cooked noodles side by side. Over these, spread one-third of your beautiful cheese mixture, then top with one-third of the meat sauce, followed by a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat this process two more times, ending with a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to get that golden, bubbly finish we all dream about.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your assembled lasagna with foil and bake it at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step lets the cheese on top turn golden and bubbly, with some irresistible crispy edges. Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes—it helps the layers set beautifully, so every slice stays intact and melts in your mouth. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness if you want!
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
While this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe dazzles on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a fantastic finishing touch. It brightens each slice visually and adds a hint of herbaceous freshness to balance the rich, cheesy goodness. Some like to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
Serving this hearty lasagna with simple sides enhances the meal without competing with the bold flavors. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices are always crowd-pleasers, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions, layering them just like the big dish. This makes for a charming presentation and easy serving. You can also dress up your plating with a dollop of ricotta mixed with lemon zest or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture. A rustic wooden board alongside a glass of red wine rounds out a cozy, inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna? Lucky you! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Freezing
The Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully whether baked or unbaked. If freezing before baking, assemble in your baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze up to 2 months. To freeze cooked lasagna, let it cool completely, then wrap portions or the whole dish securely to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F with a piece of foil over the top to keep it moist, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to keep the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Italian sausage with a different meat?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add mushroom crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Just season accordingly to maintain the rich flavor profile.
Do I have to use cooked lasagna noodles?
You can use oven-ready noodles to save time, but cooking traditional noodles beforehand ensures the perfect tender texture and prevents any dryness in your lasagna.
What if I want a lighter cheese option?
Replacing ricotta with cottage cheese is a common alternative that lightens the dish without sacrificing creaminess. You might want to blend it for a smoother texture and season it well to balance flavors.
Can I prepare this lasagna a day ahead?
Yes! Assembling your lasagna the day before and refrigerating it allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I get that perfect bubbly cheese on top?
The secret is baking covered first to cook everything through, then uncovering for the last 15 to 20 minutes to brown and bubble the cheeses to golden perfection.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort food at its finest. From the rich, meaty sauce to the irresistible creamy cheese layers, it’s a dish that invites smiles and seconds. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just craving something nourishing and delicious, this lasagna never disappoints. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and start layering your way to a meal that feels like a million bucks!
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, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American main course featuring layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta and cream cheese blend, tender lasagna noodles, and a luscious marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for later convenience.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
Other Ingredients
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready noodles)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion together until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up meat.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in the marinara sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with one-third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with a portion of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Assemble Lasagna – Repeat Layers: Repeat layering two more times: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and shredded cheeses, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes slicing easier. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Lasagna can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta and use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
- This lasagna freezes well, whether baked or unbaked, making it a great meal prep option.
