Million Dollar Lasagna

This million dollar lasagna delivers true homemade comfort with every decadent layer of pasta, meat, and cheese. I've been making this showstopper for family gatherings for years, and there's never a single piece left by the end of dinner.

This recipe became my signature dish after serving it at my daughter's graduation party. Three neighbors asked for the recipe that same night, and now it makes regular appearances at neighborhood potlucks.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: creates the hearty base for the meat sauce. Choose 80/20 lean to fat ratio for the best flavor.
• Italian sausage: adds depth and complexity. Sweet or hot varieties work beautifully depending on your preference.
• Marinara sauce: provides convenience without sacrificing flavor. Select a high quality brand for best results.
• Cream cheese: transforms the traditional ricotta layer into something truly extraordinary. Full fat delivers the creamiest texture.
• Sour cream: brings tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Lasagna noodles: hold everything together. Traditional or no boil both work well in this recipe.
• Mozzarella: creates that irresistible cheese pull. Fresh or pre shredded both work but freshly grated melts more smoothly.
• Parmesan: adds savory depth to the cheese mixture. Freshly grated offers superior flavor to pre packaged options.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This takes about 7 minutes. Add the diced onion to the meat and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes more. The onions will release moisture that helps deglaze the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Create the Cheese Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese with the softened cream cheese, using a hand mixer to blend until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Add the sour cream and mix again until incorporated. Beat in the egg until fully combined, then fold in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the mozzarella. The resulting mixture should be rich, creamy, and easily spreadable.

Layer the Lasagna:

Start with spreading about 1 cup of meat sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish to prevent noodles from sticking. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. They will expand during baking. Spread one third of the cheese mixture over the noodles using an offset spatula for even coverage from edge to edge. This layer should be about half an inch thick. Add another layer of meat sauce, using roughly 1 to 1.5 cups and spreading it completely over the cheese layer. Repeat this layering process twice more, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and reserved cup of mozzarella.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, being careful not to let it touch the top layer of cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns and continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown with crispy edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the center. Allow the lasagna to rest uncovered for a full 15 minutes before cutting, which prevents the layers from sliding apart when served.

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The secret to this lasagna's million dollar status is definitely the cream cheese. My grandmother added it to her lasagna back in the 1960s after running out of ricotta one Sunday, and our family has made it this way ever since. The tanginess cuts through the richness in the most spectacular way.

Make Ahead Magic

This lasagna actually improves when made ahead. The flavors have time to develop and the noodles absorb some of the sauce, leading to a more cohesive dish. Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the cold dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Smart Substitutions

Dietary restrictions need not prevent anyone from enjoying this spectacular dish. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and turkey Italian sausage for the pork variety. Cottage cheese works wonderfully in place of ricotta for those who prefer its texture or have it on hand. For a vegetarian adaptation, replace the meat with 2 pounds of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. The vegetable moisture will need to be cooked off thoroughly before assembling.

Serving Suggestions

This rich lasagna pairs beautifully with acidic side dishes that cut through the creaminess. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers the perfect contrast. Garlic bread is traditional but consider roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon or steamed green beans with toasted almonds for balance. For wine pairing, choose a medium bodied red with good acidity like Chianti, Sangiovese, or even a Zinfandel to complement the robust flavors.

Freezer Friendly Techniques

This lasagna freezes exceptionally well either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For leftover portions, wrap individual slices in plastic then foil and freeze. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave with a damp paper towel over top to maintain moisture.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble this lasagna a full day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply increase the covered baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely. Many find the flavors actually improve after resting overnight.

→ What makes this lasagna different from traditional versions?

The secret is in the cheese mixture. While traditional lasagna uses ricotta alone, Million Dollar Lasagna incorporates cream cheese and sour cream for an extraordinarily rich, tangy creaminess. This special blend, combined with the hearty meat sauce, creates a more indulgent, complex flavor profile.

→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work perfectly in this recipe and save preparation time. The moisture from the sauce and cheese layers will adequately cook the noodles during baking. No adjustments to liquid or baking time are needed.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Many people find that the flavors deepen and improve on the second day, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers.

→ Can I substitute the meats in this lasagna?

Yes, you can customize the meat sauce to your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter option, while vegetarians might use a plant-based meat alternative or increase the vegetables with mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty meatless version.

→ What sides pair well with Million Dollar Lasagna?

Classic accompaniments include garlic bread, a crisp Caesar or garden salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. For a complete Italian meal, serve with antipasto beforehand and a light fruit dessert afterward.