If you’re craving a show-stopping comfort food that’s as impressive as it is delicious, Million Dollar Lasagna is absolutely calling your name. Imagine layer upon layer of luscious, creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles—all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This lasagna is pure Italian-American magic, combining classic flavors and rich textures in every irresistible bite. It’s the ultimate centerpiece for gatherings, cozy family nights, or whenever you want to feel like you’re serving a million bucks at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Million Dollar Lasagna is in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component, from the robust meat sauce to the creamy cheese filling, brings something special to the table, ensuring a casserole that stuns with both flavor and texture.
- Lasagna noodles: Go for the classic, cooked and drained—these form the sturdy, essential layers.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory depth; choose lean for a less greasy result.
- Italian sausage: Adds richness, spice, and a little kick—mild or hot, your call!
- Onion: Sautéed for a subtle sweetness and a mellow background flavor.
- Garlic: Just three cloves bring aromatic magic to every layer.
- Marinara sauce: A high-quality jarred sauce saves time while delivering tomatoey zing.
- Ricotta cheese: Lends a creamy, classic Italian texture and lightness to the cheese blend.
- Cream cheese: Here’s where the “million dollar” part shines; it adds incredible creaminess.
- Sour cream: Boosts tang and helps achieve that ultra-smooth filling.
- Egg: Binds the cheese mixture so each slice stays picture-perfect.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, and absolutely essential for a gooey top.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and a fabulous golden finish.
- Italian seasoning: Brings together all those classic Italian-American flavors in every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Use generously to season both the meat and cheese for balanced flavor.
- Chopped parsley: Optional, but gives a burst of color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start off by browning the ground beef, Italian sausage, and finely chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir and break up the meat as it cooks to ensure a fine, even texture. Once browned, drain off any excess fat for a well-balanced sauce. Toss in the minced garlic for another minute—this quick sauté really unlocks its aroma. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld together into a rich sauce worthy of this Million Dollar Lasagna.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and egg. Give it all a nice, thorough mix until the texture is silky and smooth with no lumps. This trio of cheeses gives the lasagna its signature, ultra-creamy layer—trust me, you’ll taste the “million dollar” upgrade here!
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Now for the fun part! In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of your savory meat sauce across the bottom (this prevents sticking and starts building flavor from the ground up). Lay down your first three cooked lasagna noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture, a third of the remaining meat sauce, and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers, happy knowing you’re stacking flavor every step of the way. Finish with your last noodles, the very last of your sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and a generous dusting of Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. This is when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to slice right in—let your Million Dollar Lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps the layers set for perfectly stacked pieces. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for that last pop of color and a hint of freshness if you like.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way when serving Million Dollar Lasagna. Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also brightens up the richness of the dish. Want to elevate it even more? Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, indulgent lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple Caesar salad or a tangy arugula salad balances out the hearty main course. Warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf is a must for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the lasagna into neat squares and serve on larger white plates with a swoosh of extra marinara sauce beneath each piece. Individual ramekins create adorable, dinner-party versions. If you’re serving a crowd, set up a lasagna bar with fresh basil, grated cheese, and chili flakes so everyone can top their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Lasagna stores like a champion. Simply let it cool to room temperature, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only get better, and each slice stays moist and satisfying.
Freezing
Million Dollar Lasagna is wonderfully freezer-friendly. You can freeze it either before or after baking: wrap it well in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best texture, consume within three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 25 to 30 minutes. Single portions can also be microwaved for a quick, comforting meal. A splash of water or extra sauce added before reheating helps keep everything moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in Million Dollar Lasagna?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese gives a slightly different texture but is a popular substitute for ricotta. Just drain off extra liquid for best results—your lasagna will still be deliciously creamy.
Is it possible to make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This not only saves time but also gives the flavors a chance to mingle for even more depth.
How do I prevent runny lasagna slices?
The secret is in the resting time after baking—let your lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to settle and keeps your pieces neat and tidy.
Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef and sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or your favorite meat substitute. The creamy cheese blend and robust sauce keep it every bit as satisfying.
What’s the difference between Million Dollar Lasagna and traditional lasagna?
The million-dollar twist is all about that sumptuous cheese mixture—cream cheese and sour cream join the ricotta for extra richness and a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite. It’s a little more decadent, a lot more special!
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food with a wow factor, Million Dollar Lasagna should absolutely be on your table soon. It’s a dish that promises (and delivers) joy in every bite, perfect for making memories with friends and family. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to the lasagna of your dreams—you won’t regret it!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Lasagna recipe. Layers of rich meats, cheeses, and sauce come together to create a dish that’s worth every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
Additional Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Make the Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and egg until smooth.
- Layer the Lasagna: Alternate meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then remove foil to brown the top. Rest before serving.
Notes
- This lasagna freezes well before or after baking.
- For extra richness, use full-fat dairy products.
- Letting it rest before slicing helps it hold its shape.
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