Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Lasagna lovers, get ready for the most rich, creamy, and flavorful lasagna you’ve ever tasted! This Million Dollar Lasagna is packed with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep. If you love classic Italian flavors but want something extra indulgent, this recipe is for you.

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, homemade lasagna straight out of the oven. This Million Dollar Lasagna takes the traditional recipe to the next level by adding a luscious cream cheese mixture that creates a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite. The combination of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes this lasagna truly irresistible.

What makes this recipe special? Layers of rich flavor that come together beautifully with perfectly balanced seasonings and a golden, cheesy crust. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to enjoy a homemade Italian feast, this lasagna is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

To make this Million Dollar Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground chicken sausage (or Italian sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Assembling:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chicken sausage, breaking them apart as they brown. Once they’re almost fully cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.

Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well blended and smooth. This mixture will give the lasagna its signature creamy texture.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

First Layer: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
Second Layer: Lay down 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Third Layer: Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Fourth Layer: Add a generous portion of meat sauce on top.
Fifth Layer: Repeat with another layer of noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Final Layer: Place the last 4 noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Let It Rest & Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly. Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and give a richer flavor.
Drain Excess Grease: If your meat releases too much grease, drain it before adding the sauce.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the lasagna sit before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Cooking Tips

For the best Million Dollar Lasagna, keep these pro tips in mind:

Add More Flavor: A splash of red wine in the meat sauce enhances depth.
Extra Cheesiness: Mix in shredded provolone or gouda for a twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles to make this dish celiac-friendly.
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Million Dollar Lasagna with:

Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich lasagna.
Roasted Vegetables: A nutritious and flavorful side option.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown per serving:

Calories: 540
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 780mg

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great alternative for a lighter texture.

Can I make this lasagna without meat?
Absolutely! Try using sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or spinach instead.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a kick.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this Million Dollar Lasagna, check out these other delicious recipes:

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, holidays, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try this hearty and indulgent lasagna today, and enjoy every delicious bite! 🍽️🧀