Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

There's nothing quite like pulling a bubbling dish of Million Dollar Lasagna out of the oven. The golden, cheesy top gives way to layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. It's a meal that feels like pure indulgence, yet it's surprisingly simple to make.

I first made this lasagna for a family gathering, and it instantly became a hit. Everyone asked for the recipe, amazed at how decadent and flavorful it was. Now, it's my go-to dish for potlucks, Sunday dinners, and special occasions when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked pasta dish. This Million Dollar Lasagna is more than just a dinner—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

First, it’s incredibly rich and creamy. Thanks to the combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, every bite is luxuriously smooth and cheesy.

It's also a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

This recipe is budget-friendly yet feels like a restaurant-quality meal. You’ll get that gourmet taste without spending a fortune on fancy ingredients.

Lastly, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a big family or bringing a dish to a gathering, this lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its perfectly balanced layers of flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so incredible.

Ground beef and Italian sausage create a hearty, flavorful meat sauce. The sausage adds a subtle spice that makes all the difference. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or a mix of meats.

Ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream form the ultra-creamy layer that sets this lasagna apart. The cream cheese adds a velvety texture, while the ricotta and sour cream create a rich, tangy contrast to the meat sauce.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide the ultimate cheesy topping. Mozzarella melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy bite, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.

Oven-ready lasagna noodles save time and effort, softening perfectly as they bake. If using traditional noodles, be sure to cook them al dente before assembling.

A high-quality marinara sauce is key to a robust, well-seasoned meat sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade, but be sure to pick one with rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugar.

How To Make This Million Dollar Lasagna

Creating this indulgent lasagna is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preparing the meat sauce. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease, then stir in your marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

While the sauce simmers, mix together the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and a bit of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Now it’s time to layer the lasagna. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a generous spread of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final topping of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), Million Dollar Lasagna stores beautifully.

For refrigeration, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger servings in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For freezing, you can freeze the whole lasagna before baking or after it's fully cooked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 30-40 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some ways to make it your own.

If you want a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. These veggies add heartiness and pair beautifully with the creamy layers.

For a lower-carb option, replace the noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Just be sure to pat them dry to remove excess moisture before layering.

To add a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild and sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the meat sauce.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It still tastes indulgent but with a little less guilt!

No matter how you make it, this Million Dollar Lasagna is bound to be a favorite in your household. Try it once, and you'll see why it’s worth every bite!

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