you’re craving a comforting dish that’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible, the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is your golden ticket. Layered with seasoned meat, silky cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta, this lasagna takes traditional comfort food to the next level. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a crowd. Plus, it’s packed with bold flavors and a creamy texture that earns it the “million dollar” name. Whether you’re hosting dinner or meal prepping, this over-the-top lasagna is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to—because once you try it, there’s no turning back.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
This creamy lasagna recipe might taste like a million bucks, but the ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and easy to find. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this indulgent, homemade layered lasagna to life.
🥩 For the Meat Sauce Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your call)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
🧀 For the Creamy Cheese Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
🍝 For the Pasta Layer
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use no-boil noodles for convenience)
- Optional: a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking
🌿 Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for the top layer
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
This isn’t just a lasagna—it’s the lasagna. With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll go from basic ingredients to a bubbling tray of creamy, cheesy baked lasagna that lives up to its million dollar name. Let’s dive in.
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by building deep, savory flavor right from the skillet.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb Italian sausage until browned.
- Drain any excess grease, then stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pro tip: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
🧀 Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
Here’s where the million dollar part kicks in—rich, velvety, and totally indulgent.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
This creamy combo adds a luxurious layer that takes this homemade layered lasagna far beyond ordinary.
🍝 Step 3: Pre-Cook the Noodles (If Needed
If you’re not using no-boil lasagna noodles:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Add 12 lasagna noodles and cook until just al dente.
- Drain, then lay flat on parchment paper or drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
🏗️ Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Now the fun part—layering! Use a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay down 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Spoon over a layer of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers two more times (noodles → cheese → sauce).
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the top with the last cup of mozzarella.
⏲️ Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (lightly greased so it doesn’t stick).
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning—just don’t take your eyes off it!
🧊 Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven:
- Let your Million Dollar Lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- This helps the layers set and keeps everything from sliding apart.
Tools You’ll Need for Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Before you dive into layering that dreamy, creamy lasagna recipe, make sure your kitchen is stocked with a few essential tools. Luckily, you don’t need anything fancy—just the basics to help you build that perfect homemade layered lasagna with ease.
🧂 Must-Have Kitchen Tools
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
For browning the beef and sausage, and simmering the meat sauce to perfection. - Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large)
You’ll need these to whip up the ultra-creamy cheese layer. - 9×13-Inch Baking Dish
The classic dish size for lasagna—deep enough to hold those rich layers without spilling over. - Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Great for mixing, stirring, and scraping every last bit of flavor. - Foil (Aluminum)
To cover the dish during baking and help lock in moisture. - Measuring Cups and Spoons
Because precision matters—especially when you’re balancing cheeses and seasonings. - Colander or Strainer
Essential if you’re boiling traditional noodles instead of using no-boil ones.
🌬️ Optional But Helpfu
- Silicone Brush or Spoon
To spread sauce or oil noodles if needed. - Cooling Rack
For letting your lasagna rest properly post-bake. - Sharp Knife or Lasagna Cutter
Makes it easier to slice clean portions without ruining those perfect layers. - Food Storage Containers
If you’re planning to meal prep or store leftovers (and trust us, you’ll want to).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Curious about prep tips, ingredient swaps, or storing leftovers? These commonly asked questions will help you get the most out of your million dollar lasagna—whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth!
What makes this lasagna a “Million Dollar” recipe?
It’s all about the layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella melts into a rich, indulgent filling that’s anything but ordinary. When paired with seasoned meat sauce and perfectly baked noodles, it tastes like a dish you’d expect at a fancy restaurant—without the price tag.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Totally! Cottage cheese works as a lighter substitute for ricotta. While it has a different texture, once it’s baked into the layers with cream cheese and sour cream, it still gives you that creamy lasagna feel. Just drain excess liquid for best results.
How do I keep lasagna from getting watery?
A few simple tricks help here:
- Let the meat sauce simmer longer to reduce excess moisture.
- Drain the cooked noodles well.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking—this helps it set and keeps layers from slipping.
For more tips on moisture control in baked meals, check out Cleveland Clinic’s guide to freezing and reheating.
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