If there’s one dish that turns an everyday gathering into a true celebration, it’s Million Dollar Lasagna. This is the kind of comfort food that isn’t afraid to go big: cheesy, saucy, beautifully layered, and absolutely irresistible. Every bite is pure gold, with creamy ricotta, rich meat sauce, and a bubbly crown of cheese that makes every guest at the table swoon. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a family birthday, or just to freeze and savor through the week, Million Dollar Lasagna easily earns its lavish name by delivering ultimate satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This showstopping dish is built with simple, straightforward ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each one brings its unique texture, flavor, or creaminess to the party, making Million Dollar Lasagna so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory richness that balances the creamy layers.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds that seasoned, zesty punch for extra depth.
- Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and aroma to the meat sauce base.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for warmth and a kick of flavor in every bite.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (24 oz): A vibrant tomato sauce that binds the meat, lending moisture and tang.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): The creamy, classic layer that’s a hallmark of great lasagna.
- Cream cheese (softened, 8 oz): Secretly upping the richness and giving the cheese mixture its signature silkiness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brightens and smooths the cheese filling for a memorable texture.
- Large egg: Keeps that cheesy goodness stable and sliceable.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully on top and throughout the layers.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Delivers depth and that crave-worthy salty finish.
- Lasagna noodles (9 cooked or oven-ready): The framework; tender and perfect for holding up the layers.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, optional): Adds color and a fresh pop at the finish line.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season each layer to bring out all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sausage (with casings removed), and diced onion. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the meat is beautifully browned and the onions turn translucent—this should take about seven to eight minutes. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for just one fragrant minute more. Remember to drain off any excess fat so your final lasagna isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in your jar of marinara or pasta sauce, stirring well so the meat is coated in all that tomato goodness. Lower the heat and let this mixture simmer gently for five minutes. This step is what makes the meat sauce gloriously rich and hearty—don’t skip it! Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Signature Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, the large egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything comes together in a creamy, luscious filling. The cream cheese and sour cream are what give this Million Dollar Lasagna its incredibly smooth, almost decadent middle.
Step 4: Layer Like a Pro
Grab your lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of that savory meat sauce on the bottom—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Then, spoon over a third of the cheese mixture, smoothing it out gently. Top with a third of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat these layers twice more—noodle, cheese, sauce, and both cheeses—until you’ve used everything, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan right on top. This final layer is what gives the lasagna that dreamy golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in your preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 25 minutes to let the center heat through while keeping the cheese on top soft. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let the Million Dollar Lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes after removing from the oven—this helps everything set and makes slicing so much easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley across the top right before serving. Not only does it add a splash of vibrant color, but the fresh flavor lifts each hearty bite. A dusting of extra Parmesan is also a fan favorite for finishing with flair.
Side Dishes
Million Dollar Lasagna shines alongside simple garlic bread for dipping, a classic Caesar salad, or sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini. The rich flavors of the lasagna love a little contrast, so something crunchy or tangy on the side works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, slice the lasagna into smaller squares for easy serving on a buffet. You can also roll some of the filling into pasta shells or serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch that gives each guest their own “million dollar” moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Million Dollar Lasagna cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, your leftovers will stay delicious for up to four days—making them perfect for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This lasagna is truly freezer-friendly! Assemble it as usual, then wrap it tightly in foil before baking—or freeze leftover slices after cooking. Either way, Million Dollar Lasagna keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Reheating
To get back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat leftovers (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20–30 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved—just cover and heat until warm in the center, checking halfway through. Let it cool slightly before diving in; the flavors come through best when not piping hot.
FAQs
Can I swap out the ricotta cheese?
Absolutely! If you’d like a lighter version or simply want a change, cottage cheese is a great substitute. Just drain it well before adding so your filling isn’t watery.
Should I use regular or oven-ready noodles?
Both work wonderfully in Million Dollar Lasagna. If using traditional noodles, just cook them until al dente before layering; oven-ready noodles are perfect for saving a little time and mess.
What makes Million Dollar Lasagna different from classic lasagna?
It’s all in the cheese mixture! The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream gives this version ultra-creamy layers and a richness that truly sets it apart from basic recipes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?
Yes, ground turkey makes for a lighter but still delicious lasagna. Just be sure to season it generously so you don’t lose out on that classic comfort food depth.
How do I keep my lasagna from falling apart when serving?
Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking is key. This helps the layers set up and makes slicing much easier, so each piece of Million Dollar Lasagna stays beautiful on the plate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that wows every time and leaves everyone asking for seconds, Million Dollar Lasagna is the answer. Whether for a family gathering, holiday meal, or a week’s worth of cozy leftovers, this recipe will absolutely earn its place on your favorites list. I hope you give it a try and love every epic, cheesy bite!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Million Dollar Lasagna, a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Layers of meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted cheese make this lasagna a standout favorite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles (or oven-ready)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet until browned. Add marinara sauce and simmer.
- Mix Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Assemble: Layer meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded cheeses in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can prep this lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate. For a lighter version, use cottage cheese and lean ground turkey.
- This dish freezes well, baked or unbaked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
