If you’re looking for a dish that wows every crowd, Million Dollar Lasagna is it. Rich, creamy, and layered with flavor, this lasagna tastes like something straight out of a high-end Italian restaurant — but it’s easy enough to make at home.
The secret? A luscious, cheesy filling that combines ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream, nestled between layers of tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of gooey mozzarella. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting a dinner party, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers indulgence in every bite.
🍅 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24 oz) jars of marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
For Assembly
- 12–15 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente, or use oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
🧑🍳 How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until browned and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld beautifully.
2. Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy — this is your secret to that “million dollar” richness.
3. Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer as follows:
- Lasagna noodles (3–4)
- ⅓ of the cheese mixture
- ⅓ of the meat sauce
Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan on top.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil (spray the underside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking).
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing — this helps the layers set beautifully.
🌿 Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
- Low-Carb Lasagna: Swap noodles for thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.
- Cheese Lovers: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or add provolone, fontina, or even Gruyère for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- White Lasagna: Replace marinara with a creamy béchamel sauce for a decadent twist.
💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Lasagna
- Make Ahead: Assemble your lasagna the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble (uncooked) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
- Layer Evenly: Smooth each layer to ensure a clean, beautiful slice.
- Pasta Tip: Slightly undercook your noodles if you’re not using oven-ready — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for depth.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna with:
- A side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
- A fresh green salad with Italian dressing.
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual slices for 2–3 minutes.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
This Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name — rich, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Each forkful is packed with layers of creamy cheese, perfectly seasoned sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something truly special.
Whether it’s Sunday supper, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress every single time.
