Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a lasagna that feels like pure comfort and pure indulgence all layered into one, Million Dollar Lasagna is exactly what you’re looking for. Creamy cheeses, a rich, seasoned meat sauce, and noodles cooked to tender perfection come together in a dish that’s always the first to disappear at family gatherings. This is the sort of lasagna you make when you want to impress guests or treat your loved ones—with a flavor payoff that feels, well, like a million dollars.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Million Dollar Lasagna is all about quality, everyday ingredients that come together in the most irresistible way. Each one plays a special part in building that signature flavor, texture, and golden-topped beauty, so don’t skip or skimp!

• Lasagna noodles: These give your dish structure and soak up all that saucy goodness—cook them just to al dente so they don’t turn mushy during baking.
• Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base for your meat sauce and helps the dish satisfy even the hungriest crowd.
• Italian sausage: Adds rich flavor, a hint of spice, and that authentic Italian touch—use mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
• Onion: Diced small so it melts into the sauce, boosting sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a wonderful aromatic kick that infuses every layer.
• Marinara sauce: Streamlines the sauce and adds a bright, tomatoey backbone.
• Tomato sauce: Boosts the sauciness and rounds out the tomato flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Blends classic herbs for that unmistakable lasagna flavor profile.
• Salt: Brings all the elements into focus—don’t forget a little seasoning in each layer.
• Black pepper: Accentuates the savory flavors without overpowering.
• Cream cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth richness and a creamy texture that takes this lasagna over the top.
• Ricotta cheese: Classic for creaminess and mild tang—make sure it’s fresh!
• Sour cream: The secret twist that makes the cheese layer silky and luxurious.
• Large egg: Binds the cheese mixture so it bakes up fluffy, not runny.
• Mozzarella cheese: Essential for those gorgeous, cheesy pulls and a bubbly top.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty notes and golden color after baking.
• Chopped parsley: Optional, but it adds a lovely fresh pop of green to finish.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. You want them just shy of soft, because they’ll keep cooking in the oven. When done, drain and lay them on a baking sheet, separating with parchment or a drizzle of olive oil so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics

In a large skillet set to medium heat, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown and the onion turn translucent. When you see no more pink, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute—this is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Build the Rich Meat Sauce

Drain any excess grease, then pour in your marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together. Let this simmere for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps all those savory, herby flavors mingle and deepen. Your sauce should be thick and inviting by the end.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

Grab a mixing bowl and add softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and your large egg. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until it’s smooth—this mixture is the decadent heart of Million Dollar Lasagna. It bakes up creamy and rich, melting beautifully between every layer.

Step 5: Layer It All Up

Now the fun part: assembling! Start with a generous scoop of meat sauce on the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch dish. Add a layer of four noodles, spread with half of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with a cup of mozzarella. Repeat this sequence: sauce, noodles, the rest of the cheese mix, and another cup of mozzarella. Top with the last noodles, cover with remaining meat sauce, sprinkle the final cup of mozzarella, and don’t forget a generous shower of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Cover your dish with foil and slide it into a 350°F oven for 25 minutes—this keeps everything melting together, not drying out. Remove the foil for the last 15 to 20 minutes so the top turns irresistibly golden and bubbly. When you take it out, let Million Dollar Lasagna rest for about 10 minutes. It’ll slice beautifully and hold its perfect layers.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Garnishes

Right before you serve, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley does wonders—not just for color but for a hit of herbal brightness. If you’re feeling extra, another little dusting of grated Parmesan right after baking adds flavor and a touch of luxury.

Side Dishes

Pairing Million Dollar Lasagna with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables provides great contrast to its richness. Classic garlic bread is a must for sopping up extra sauce, and a simple antipasto platter with olives or roasted peppers rounds out a feast with Italian flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, slice your lasagna into individual squares and serve on pretty plates topped with a tiny skewered mozzarella ball and a basil leaf. If making ahead, bake it in mini loaf pans for adorable single servings. You can even layer the lasagna in oven-safe ramekins for an intimate date-night or dinner-party twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Million Dollar Lasagna keeps well in the fridge for up to four days—those flavors just keep getting better as they mingle!

Freezing

To freeze, assemble but don’t bake, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen by just adding extra time with the foil on. Baked leftovers can also be sliced, wrapped, and frozen individually for speedy lunches.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through—usually about 20 to 30 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved, but a quick finish under the broiler brings back that signature bubbly top.

FAQs

What makes it “Million Dollar Lasagna”?

It’s all about the luxurious cheese layer—cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream—plus hearty meat sauce that takes humble ingredients and turns them into something truly special and memorable. The result tastes like an absolute treat every single time!

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Absolutely! Just make sure there’s enough sauce in each layer to help them cook through in the oven. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but it still works beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian version of Million Dollar Lasagna?

You can easily swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, and still get those dreamy, creamy cheese layers and scrumptious flavor. The key is building up savory depth in your sauce, however you customize it.

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually gets better when assembled ahead and allowed to chill. Just wrap and refrigerate unbaked lasagna for up to two days before baking fresh, or freeze it for even longer storage.

How do I get neat slices when serving?

Letting the lasagna rest after baking is crucial—the layers will set and hold together, giving you picture-perfect servings (and fewer messy plates).

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a show-stopping comfort food experience, put Million Dollar Lasagna on your must-make list this week. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone smiling and satisfied—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to special dish!

Print