Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, multi-layered pasta dish featuring hearty meat sauce, rich ricotta and cream cheese filling, and a bubbling layer of mozzarella. It’s named for its luxurious taste and texture that’s worth every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor. It’s an easy-to-make comfort dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family favorite. The combination of cheeses gives it an indulgent texture, while the robust meat sauce balances it with hearty depth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lasagna noodles
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese, softened
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In a greased baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or basil.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10. Prep time: 30 minutes. Bake time: 45 minutes. Rest: 10 minutes. Total: 1 hour 25 minutes.

Variations

• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
• Add spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables
• Try a béchamel layer for a more classic Italian twist

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. This lasagna freezes exceptionally well—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Why is it called Million Dollar Lasagna?

Because of its rich, creamy layers that taste indulgent and luxurious, like a million bucks.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the lasagna and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, just make sure your sauce is slightly thinner so the noodles hydrate properly.

What cheeses work best?

A mix of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, use your favorite jarred marinara or pasta sauce for convenience.

How do I avoid watery lasagna?

Drain excess fat from the meat and let the lasagna rest after baking to set.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.

Should I cover lasagna while baking?

Yes, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent drying, then uncover to brown the top.

How thick should the layers be?

Each layer should be even—aim for two full sets of pasta, cheese, and meat layers.

Can I bake it from frozen?

Yes—cover and bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes, uncovering for the final 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name with rich layers of cheese, savory meat, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether for a special occasion or a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe offers comfort and indulgence in every slice.

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