Short Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and indulgent twist on the classic Italian-American dish. Layered with savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, this lasagna earns its “million-dollar” name by delivering luxurious flavor and comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent Layers: Combines multiple cheeses and a hearty meat sauce for a deeply satisfying meal.
Perfect for Gatherings: Serves a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.
Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers store well, providing convenient future meals.
Customizable: Easily adapted with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake:
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 serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Yield: Serves 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Cheese Options: Substitute or add cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles can be used. Ensure there’s enough sauce to cover the noodles so they cook properly during baking.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese in this recipe.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Ensure the meat sauce is simmered until thickened, and drain any excess fat from the cooked meat. Letting the lasagna rest after baking also helps it set properly.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Absolutely. Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with this lasagna?
A fresh green salad and garlic bread pair well with this rich and hearty lasagna.
Can I freeze the unbaked lasagna?
Yes, assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before serving?
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats can be used in place of beef and Italian sausage.
Is it necessary to cover the lasagna while baking?
Covering the lasagna for the initial baking time prevents the top from overbrowning and ensures even cooking. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. With its rich layers of meat sauce and creamy cheeses, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna delivers satisfying flavor in every bite.
Million Dollar Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name—rich, cheesy, and layered to perfection. Made with beef, sausage, ricotta, and gooey cheese, this crowd-pleasing dish is the ultimate comfort food for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks. Keyword: Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
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12 lasagna noodles
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1 pound ground beef
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1 pound Italian sausage
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
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2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Olive oil, for sautéing
Instructions
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Cook the Noodles:
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Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Meat:
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In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
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Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, simmer for 10 minutes.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
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In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the Lasagna:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
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Repeat layers, ending with sauce and cheeses on top.
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Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
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Notes
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Add spinach to the ricotta layer for extra nutrients.
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Use oven-ready noodles for quicker prep.
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Freezes well—make a double batch!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
