Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
If you’re looking for a real showstopper to bring to the table, Million Dollar Lasagna is your answer. Imagine layers upon layers of tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and the dreamiest, creamiest cheese filling, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This Italian-American classic is comfort food taken to the next level, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or making any weeknight feel like a celebration. Let’s dive into the secrets that make this Million Dollar Lasagna truly unforgettable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Million Dollar Lasagna brings something special to the party, whether it’s savory depth, melty richness, or that irresistible Italian flair. Here’s what you’ll want on hand and why each one matters:
- Lasagna noodles (12): These form the hearty base and layers that define classic lasagna—don’t forget to cook them just until al dente so they stay firm when baked.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty flavor and depth; use lean beef for less grease, but don’t go too lean or you’ll lose that rich taste.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Adds a touch of spice and savory flavor that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Offers mellow sweetness and aromatic flavor to both the meat and the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Essential for that irresistible, fragrant base—fresh garlic makes all the difference!
- Marinara or pasta sauce (24-ounce jar): The backbone of your red sauce; use your favorite store-bought or homemade kind for the best taste.
- Crushed tomatoes (15-ounce can): Brings extra body, texture, and a hint of bright acidity to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend of herbs adds classic flavor notes that tie the sauce and filling together.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Key for balancing all the rich and savory elements in both the sauce and cheese layers.
- Cream cheese (8-ounce block, softened): Creates an ultra-luxurious cheese layer that’s tangy, rich, and decadent.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds creaminess and a slight tang that lightens up the cheese filling.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese (1 cup): Gives the filling classic Italian texture; ricotta is more traditional, but cottage cheese melts beautifully too.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the cheese mixture so every layer stays creamy, not runny.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cheese filling with a savory garlic boost.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): The melted heart of every bite; use whole-milk mozzarella for maximum gooeyness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds savory, salty, and nutty notes to the top for that perfect crust.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): For a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente. Keep an eye on them—you want them firm enough to hold up during baking. Once they’re cooked, drain, and carefully lay them out flat on a parchment-lined tray to avoid any sticky disasters. This small step makes assembly breezy!
Step 2: Create the Savory Meat Sauce
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking them up as they cook, until everything is beautifully caramelized and the kitchen smells amazing. Toss in diced onion and let it soften, then stir in the garlic for a minute until fragrant. Now, pour in your marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let it all simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors really meld together.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage or ricotta cheese, egg, and garlic powder. Mix until it’s silky-smooth and luscious—no lumps! This is the secret to Million Dollar Lasagna’s signature richness. Each spoonful of this filling brings the “wow” factor with tang, creaminess, and just the right amount of flavor.
Step 4: Layer Everything Like a Pro
Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay out 4 noodles, then spread a third of the cheese mixture over them. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella, then spoon more meat sauce. Repeat this process with two more layers—noodle, cheese, mozzarella, meat sauce—until all your ingredients are tucked in, finishing with sauce, a mountain of mozzarella, and a generous shower of Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Cover the lasagna with foil (to keep that cheesy top from burning) and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until everything is bubbling and golden on top. Trust me, your house will smell incredible. Don’t skip the resting period! Let your Million Dollar Lasagna sit for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting so those thick, layered slices stay picture-perfect.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Garnishes
A final flurry of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal lift that’s just the right finishing touch for Million Dollar Lasagna. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little extra grated Parmesan never goes amiss—just for good measure!
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty lasagna absolutely shines with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess, or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted broccoli or asparagus lighten up the meal and bring in a pop of green.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, slice your Million Dollar Lasagna into tidy squares and arrange them on warmed plates for an elegant look. For a family-style feel, let everyone dig in straight from the baking dish (because why not?). If you want to get a bit playful, serve smaller squares as part of an Italian-inspired buffet—trust me, it’ll steal the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Lasagna keeps beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits—some say it’s even better the next day.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead or made a double batch, Million Dollar Lasagna freezes like a charm. Wrap the unbaked or baked (and fully cooled) casserole with a double layer of foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the layers intact and the cheesy filling creamy.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 30 minutes for a whole pan, or 10 to 15 minutes for slices). For quicker reheating, use the microwave in 1-minute bursts on medium power—just be sure to cover to keep things moist and melty.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin, but you may want to add extra Italian seasoning and a little olive oil to boost the flavor, since poultry tends to be leaner than beef and sausage.
Is it possible to assemble Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, and it works wonderfully. Assemble the entire lasagna and refrigerate (covered) up to a day ahead. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.
Can I use all ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Definitely! Ricotta cheese delivers that classic creamy lasagna layer—so if you love its mild taste and fluffy texture, go all in. Cottage cheese works great too, especially if you enjoy a slightly lighter, less rich result.
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking after cooking?
After draining, spread the cooked noodles out on parchment or waxed paper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. This simple trick keeps them separate and makes assembly so much easier—and far less frustrating!
Why does Million Dollar Lasagna need to rest before slicing?
Letting your lasagna rest gives the layers time to set, making it much easier to slice into neat, beautiful pieces without everything sliding apart. Plus, the flavors mingle and settle—totally worth the wait!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, it’s time to try this Million Dollar Lasagna. Every bite is creamy, savory, and indulgent—the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Share it with friends, enjoy it with family, and let this lasagna become the shining star of your dinner table!
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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Million Dollar Lasagna recipe that features layers of lasagna noodles, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This ultimate comfort food dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Ingredients
Main Meat Sauce:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Other Layers:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook lasagna noodles, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onion, garlic, marinara sauce, and tomatoes in a skillet.
- Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage or ricotta cheese, egg, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer: Spread meat sauce in a baking dish, layer noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and repeat. Top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate it.
- It freezes well before or after baking.
- Consider using low-fat dairy for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
