Million Dollar Lasagna

Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles come together to create this indulgent Million Dollar Lasagna. This dish is comfort food at its finest—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and flavorful: The combination of savory meat sauce and creamy cheese layers ensures every bite is loaded with taste.

Crowd-pleaser: This lasagna is big enough to feed a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using ground turkey or gluten-free noodles.

Make-ahead friendly: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Classic comfort food: With every bite, you’ll enjoy the timeless flavors of traditional lasagna, elevated with a creamy twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

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

For the Pasta Layer:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned.

Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.

Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella.

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.

Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.

Spread 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.

Repeat these layers (noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce) two more times.

Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Lasagna:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Vegetarian option: Replace the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable marinara featuring zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Cheese substitutions: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor.

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm refrigerated lasagna in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions on medium power. Frozen lasagna should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

• Million Dollar Pie
• Million Dollar Dip
• Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

FAQs

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

To avoid watery lasagna, make sure to drain the cooked meat thoroughly and simmer the sauce to reduce excess liquid.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What’s the best way to cook lasagna noodles?

For traditional noodles, boil them in salted water until al dente. If you’re using no-boil noodles, ensure the sauce has enough moisture to cook them properly.

Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own mozzarella melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.

How do I make a smaller portion?

Halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with layers of bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. With its rich taste and versatility, it’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want a guaranteed hit.

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