Name: Million Dollar Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready); 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 egg; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, multi-layered baked dish packed with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melty mozzarella. It’s an elevated take on the traditional lasagna that tastes as luxurious as its name suggests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With layers of bold flavors and creamy textures, this lasagna feels indulgent without being overly complex. It’s perfect for gatherings, Sunday dinners, or making ahead for busy weeks. It freezes well and feeds a crowd.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
Ground beef
Italian sausage
Onion (chopped)
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Tomato paste
Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley

directions

Cook Meat: Brown ground beef and sausage with onion and garlic. Stir in marinara and tomato paste. Simmer.
Mix Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and seasonings.
Assemble: Layer meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 more minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with sautéed vegetables.
Use Cottage Cheese: A lighter substitute for ricotta.
Add Spinach: Mix into the cheese layer.
Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil. Freeze entire tray or portions for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.

Can I freeze lasagna before baking?

Yes, wrap well and freeze unbaked. Add 20–30 minutes to bake time when cooking from frozen.

What’s the best cheese blend?

A mix of mozzarella and parmesan works best, but fontina or provolone add depth.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain meat thoroughly and let it rest before cutting.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them hydrated.

What meat can I use besides beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb are good alternatives.

Can I add béchamel sauce?

Yes, for a creamier layer.

Should I cover it while baking?

Cover for the first half to prevent drying, then uncover to brown.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, but choose a high-quality marinara for best results.

How long should it rest before slicing?

Let rest at least 15 minutes to keep layers intact.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna delivers a rich, satisfying flavor that lives up to its name. With its creamy layers and savory meat sauce, it’s a luxurious upgrade to traditional lasagna and perfect for any occasion.

Million Dollar Lasagna

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Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, multi-layered baked pasta dish featuring a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese blend, and melty mozzarella. It’s an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for gatherings and make-ahead dinners.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and tomato paste. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Italian seasoning, and parsley until smooth.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then layer noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and topping with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.