If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Million Dollar Lasagna! This layered pasta dish is rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. What makes it stand out is the indulgent combination of creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles—all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this lasagna will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can recreate it in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works:
What sets Million Dollar Lasagna apart is its rich, creamy filling. A blend of ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella adds an irresistible creamy layer that’s unlike any traditional lasagna. Pair that with a robust meat sauce made from ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic seasonings, and you have a dish that truly tastes like a million bucks. This recipe is easy to follow, and its comforting layers make it a crowd-pleaser for family meals, potlucks, or celebrations.
What You’ll Need for Million Dollar Lasagna:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Other Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread a layer of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips & Tricks for Recipe Success:
Make It Ahead of Time: This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then bake as directed when you’re ready.
Use No-Boil Noodles: To save time, you can use oven-ready lasagna noodles. Just ensure there’s enough sauce in your layers, as the noodles will absorb moisture during baking.
Boost the Flavor: Add extra depth to your meat sauce by including a splash of red wine, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh basil.
Substitute the Meats: If you prefer, you can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or even plant-based ground meat instead of a beef and sausage mix.
Add Vegetables: To make this dish more nutritious, consider adding sautéed spinach, zucchini slices, or mushrooms to the layers.
Thicken the Cheese Mixture: If your cheese mixture seems too runny, add a little extra Parmesan or ricotta to create a thicker, creamier texture.
FAQs About Million Dollar Lasagna:
Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
To freeze after baking, let the lasagna cool completely, portion it into individual servings, and store in airtight containers.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Ensure you drain the cooked noodles well and allow the meat sauce to simmer until slightly thickened. Letting the lasagna rest after baking also helps the layers set.
What can I serve with Million Dollar Lasagna?
Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side of roasted asparagus.
Serving Suggestions:
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and hearty main dish, so simple sides are often the best choice. Here are some ideas:
Garlic Bread: The perfect side to mop up any leftover sauce.
Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with creamy Caesar dressing complements the lasagna’s richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or carrots for a fresh, healthy addition.
Red Wine: Pair your lasagna with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Time and Serving Information:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 8-10
Conclusion:
This Million Dollar Lasagna is everything you could want in a baked pasta dish—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dish, and don’t be surprised when your guests ask for the recipe!