If you’re looking to bring a little culinary magic to your table, let me introduce you to Million Dollar Lasagna. Imagine layers of tender noodles, a rich and hearty meat sauce, and a luxurious, creamy cheese filling that truly earns its extravagant name. Each bite is the ultimate comfort, whether you’re hosting family, feeding a crowd, or just deserving a cozy night in. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you making a lasagna that tastes like a million bucks, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one serving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Million Dollar Lasagna shines because classic, accessible ingredients come together in the most epic way. Each one adds its own special something, from the comforting richness of cheeses to the depth of a robust tomato sauce — help each element shine for a truly indulgent result!
- Ground beef: Gives the lasagna deep, savory flavor and hearty texture in every mouthful.
- Italian sausage: Adds a slightly spiced, herby warmth that sets this recipe apart from your average lasagna.
- Marinara sauce: The backbone of your sauce, bringing tang and classic Italian flair.
- Tomato sauce: Adds body and a mellow tomato base that lets the other flavors sing.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness thickens your sauce and boosts umami.
- Italian seasoning: The blend that weaves subtle herbal notes throughout your lasagna.
- Garlic powder: Essential for that warm, aromatic foundation we all crave.
- Onion powder: Layers in a subtle, sweet savory vibe and depth.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity from all those beautiful tomatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Lifts all the other flavors and makes them pop. Season to taste!
- Lasagna noodles: All those beautiful layers start here — cooked until just al dente.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, slightly tangy, and a must-have for pillowy richness between layers.
- Cream cheese: The secret to a truly “million dollar” silky texture — don’t skip this!
- Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy note and helps create that dreamy cheese layer.
- Egg: Binds the cheese mixture and gives your filling the perfect structure.
- Mozzarella cheese: The classic stretch and melt you expect in every bite — use plenty!
- Parmesan cheese: Savory, nutty, and the finishing touch for a bubbly, golden crown.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh green pop and a flavorful garnish to bring it all together at the end.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Cook Your Noodles
Start your journey to Million Dollar Lasagna deliciousness by cooking the lasagna noodles until they’re just al dente, following the package directions. This stage sets the foundation for every glorious layer, ensuring they’ll soak up the perfect amount of sauce while holding their structure in the finished dish. Drain and set aside, laying them flat to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together until no pink remains. The combo of these two proteins makes the base savory and deeply satisfying, while also providing a little hint of spice from the sausage. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your Million Dollar Lasagna delicious but not greasy!
Step 3: Build That Bold Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens. This sauce is the backbone of the recipe, marrying zesty, sweet, and herby notes that make every bite unforgettable.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and egg until smooth and luscious. This mixture makes the Million Dollar Lasagna stand apart — it melts into every crevice for a creamy texture that will win over any lasagna skeptic. Cream cheese is especially the superstar here, adding unbeatable silkiness.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread one cup of meat sauce into the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer four noodles over the sauce, then add one third of the creamy cheese filling, one third of the remaining meat sauce, one cup of mozzarella, and half a cup of Parmesan. Repeat these beautiful layers two more times, finishing with a hearty layer of sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top. This layering routine is what gives Million Dollar Lasagna its signature height and extravagance.
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This gentle baking ensures all those flavors melt and mingle together. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and gloriously bubbly. And here’s the hardest part: let your finished masterpiece rest for about 15 minutes before slicing! This wait allows the layers to set up for those perfect, photogenic squares.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a garnish! Sprinkle your Million Dollar Lasagna liberally with freshly chopped parsley right before serving. That bright pop of green brings freshness, a hint of herbal lift, and even makes those cheesy layers look extra tempting.
Side Dishes
A dish as rich as Million Dollar Lasagna shines alongside something crisp and light. Serve with a fresh Caesar or garden salad for cool crunch, plus some warm garlic bread or focaccia to help scoop up every last bit of sauce left on your plate. For special occasions, consider roasted vegetables for an elegant touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by serving Million Dollar Lasagna in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or try using a round casserole for a show-stopping centerpiece. For potlucks, cut the lasagna into squares and stack them on a platter lined with fresh basil—and don’t hesitate to try a drizzle of homemade pesto or balsamic glaze for a fancy restaurant flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer the lasagna to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days; the flavors get even better as they mingle!
Freezing
Million Dollar Lasagna is a freezer’s best friend. Wrap the baked (or unbaked) dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or portion out slices in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months; just remember to label with the date!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge. For single servings, microwave with a splash of water and a loose cover until hot. Whole pans can be reheated, covered, in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes. If you love crispy edges, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in Million Dollar Lasagna?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese works well and offers a lighter taste and a slightly different texture. Some people even prefer it for its added protein and moisture, so use whatever suits your palate and pantry.
What’s the secret to preventing watery lasagna?
The magic comes from draining your noodles well and letting the baked lasagna rest before slicing. That resting time helps the layers firm up and ensures your Million Dollar Lasagna is beautifully sliceable.
Can I assemble Million Dollar Lasagna a day ahead?
Yes, and it’s a brilliant idea! Assemble the whole dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next day, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still chilled.
Is there a way to make this lasagna spicier?
For a little kick, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. A sprinkle of spicy cheese on top doesn’t hurt, either!
Do I have to use both ground beef and Italian sausage?
Not at all — but the combination of the two gives Million Dollar Lasagna its signature rich depth. Feel free to use only ground beef, all sausage, or even try ground turkey for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
There’s really no better way to bring people together than with a bubbling tray of Million Dollar Lasagna. Whether you’re prepping it ahead or digging in straight from the oven, this lasagna transforms humble ingredients into pure comfort you’ll want to revisit again and again. Give it a try tonight—you’ll see just why it’s worth every delicious bite!
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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and decadent Million Dollar Lasagna for a truly satisfying meal. Layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles come together to create a dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Lasagna Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Prepare according to package directions, then set aside.
- Make the meat sauce: Brown beef and sausage, add marinara, tomato sauce, tomato paste, seasonings, and simmer.
- Prepare cheese mixture: Beat ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and egg until smooth.
- Assemble the lasagna: Layer noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then remove foil and bake until golden. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- This lasagna can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if desired.
- For extra heat, use hot Italian sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
