Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, indulgent dish packed with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This classic Italian-American recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, and special occasions. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the hearty layers of beef and sausage. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and full of Italian-inspired flavors, making it a true comfort food masterpiece.
Ingredients
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 sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For the Pasta Layer:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) two more times.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips:
- Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
- Drizzle with extra marinara sauce for added richness.
- Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual portions for easy meal prep.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to maintain texture.
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a showstopper that delivers layers of cheesy, meaty goodness in every bite. Would you like variations, such as adding spinach or swapping the ricotta for mascarpone? 😊
For more inspiration, check out this recipe guide!