If you are searching for a truly indulgent and crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe. This lasagna is a rich, creamy celebration of comforting Italian flavors wrapped in layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and a luscious cheese blend that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart while impressing your guests, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Every bite delivers that perfect harmony of textures and a depth of flavor that justifies the “million dollar” name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to creating this unforgettable lasagna. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of the cheeses to the aromatic blend in the sauce. Don’t worry, though—these are all familiar staples that come together beautifully to give you that irresistible layered goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage): Provides the savory base for the meat sauce with a rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic intensity to the sauce—fresh is best!
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The heart of the sauce, delivering tangy tomato goodness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the sauce’s flavor profile.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness from the tomatoes.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates an ultra-creamy texture in the cheese layer.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The traditional Italian cheese that lends a light, fluffy richness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the cheese mixture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory, nutty notes to the filling.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture perfectly for easy layering.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor subtly in the cheese blend.
- ½ tsp salt: Seasoning to balance the cheese mixture.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: Tender layers to hold the flavorful fillings.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic lasagna stretch.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds a golden, salty crust when baked.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Start by browning your ground beef and diced onion together in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce balanced. Next, stir in the minced garlic and pour in your marinara sauce. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering step allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich, aromatic base for your lasagna.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the meat sauce simmers, it’s time to create the luxurious cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This mixture adds a luscious, velvety texture that perfectly complements the meaty sauce and pasta layers.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your assembly is complete. Baking at this temperature ensures your lasagna cooks evenly and develops that beautiful golden crust on top.
Step 4: Spread the First Layer of Meat Sauce
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom. This first layer forms the flavorful foundation that will keep your noodles moist and delicious.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Now for the satisfying part! Lay down three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. Then spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. These alternating layers build the texture and flavor you crave.
Step 6: Repeat Layering
Repeat the layering process two more times—noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Finish off with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top. This ensures a rich, bubbly, and perfectly browned topping once baked.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and irresistibly bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley over your lasagna not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and meat. For an extra touch, drizzle a little good quality olive oil or scatter some crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides like a Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional rectangular cut, try serving your lasagna in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also add roasted vegetables on the side, arranged artfully on the plate, to bring color and variety to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry—they keep wonderfully. Store your lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can be a true delight.
Freezing
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store the entire unbaked assembled dish covered with foil in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it a great meal prep option.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge. Then bake covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating individual slices, microwave on medium power until hot, checking every 30 seconds to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Italian sausage adds extra flavor and spice. You can substitute ground beef with an equal amount of Italian sausage, either mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Do I have to precook the lasagna noodles?
This recipe uses cooked noodles to ensure a soft, tender texture. You can boil them according to the package instructions, or use no-boil noodles if you adjust the sauce moisture slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant and use your favorite marinara sauce. You might want to add extra seasoning to keep the layers flavorful.
How long does the lasagna keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your lasagna will remain fresh for about 4 days. Beyond that, the quality may decline, so it’s best enjoyed within that window.
Is it better to let lasagna rest before serving?
Definitely. Resting for 10 to 15 minutes helps the lasagna set so that it slices cleanly and holds its shape on the plate without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a warm, golden, bubbly lasagna from the oven, especially one as decadent as this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated to a celebration-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make but impressively delicious. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and share it with loved ones—it just might become your new favorite go-to for gatherings and cozy meals at home.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and creamy Italian-American classic that layers savory meat sauce, a luscious cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella to create a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines ground beef with a flavorful marinara and Italian seasonings, balanced by a creamy blend of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbly, this lasagna delivers hearty, cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease. Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you begin assembling the lasagna.
- Start Assembly: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and provide flavor at the base.
- First Layer: Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles evenly. Spoon a portion of the meat sauce on top of the cheese layer, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times with noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle the half cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mozzarella.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a more robust flavor.
- Make sure to cook and drain the lasagna noodles well to prevent excess water in the dish.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking ensures it cuts neatly without falling apart.
- Use fresh garlic and good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
