Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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.

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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)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
9. Spread ⅓ of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
10. Add another layer of meat sauce.
11. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) two more times.
12. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

13. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

15. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
16. Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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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.

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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!