Short Description

Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, creamy, and cheesy twist on the classic Italian dish. With layers of hearty meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a decadent blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, this lasagna truly tastes like a million bucks! It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly rich and creamy thanks to the cream cheese and ricotta mixture.
Perfect for feeding a crowd—great for family dinners or gatherings.
Make-ahead friendly—prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
Freezer-friendly—stores well for easy future meals.
Full of flavor with layers of savory meat sauce, melted cheese, and seasonings.

Ingredients

Million Dollar Lasagna 10 Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, creamy, and cheesy twist on the classic Italian dish. With layers of hearty meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and a decadent blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, this lasagna truly tastes like a million bucks! It's the perfect comfort food for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

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

Ground beef
Italian sausage
Onion
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Sugar
Lasagna noodles
Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Egg
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley

Directions

Cook the meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add aromatics and sauce: Stir in diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until smooth.
Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Assemble the lasagna:
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Meatless Version: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian lasagna.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Add extra layers of provolone or fontina cheese for more cheesiness.
Low-Carb Option: Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of lasagna noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to use both ground beef and sausage?

No, you can use just one type of meat or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes, but you may need to add extra sauce to ensure they cook properly.

Why does this lasagna have cream cheese and sour cream?

These ingredients add a creamy, rich texture that makes this lasagna extra special.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain excess fat from the meat and avoid adding too much sauce between layers. Let the lasagna rest before cutting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini slices as a substitute.

What’s the best way to freeze leftover lasagna?

Wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I add more vegetables to this lasagna?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even shredded carrots work well.

Should I cover the lasagna while baking?

Yes, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute, just blend it for a smoother texture.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors, creamy textures, and gooey cheese in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a meal that tastes truly luxurious!