Indulgent Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe to Feed Your Soul

Layers of pasta dance with rich, velvety cheeses in this million dollar lasagna recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Creamy ricotta and zesty marinara create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Every bite promises a luxurious experience packed with depth and warmth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

The recipe blends traditional techniques with modern twists that guarantee restaurant-quality results.

Tender pasta sheets nestled between savory meat and melted cheese create a masterpiece that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Prepare to fall in love with the most decadent lasagna you’ve ever tasted.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 530 kcal

Servings: 9

Lasagna Ingredients Worth A Million Bucks

• Ground Beef: Robust protein foundation that adds hearty texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Brings spicy, aromatic depth and authentic Italian character to the meat mixture.
• Onion: Provides sweet undertones and foundational aromatic base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire sauce profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates smooth, classic tomato base with traditional Italian seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that add complexity and Mediterranean essence.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant spiciness to the sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, smooth base that provides luxurious texture and mild dairy richness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy smoothness and helps bind the cheese mixture together.
• Sour Cream: Contributes subtle tanginess and additional creaminess to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, stretchy top layer that creates golden, crispy cheese crust.
• Egg: Acts as binding agent to hold cheese mixture together during baking.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings bright, clean flavor and visual appeal.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta layer that structures the entire dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and herbal note.

Tools To Build Million Dollar Lasagna Layers

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning meats and creating the rich sauce base.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking the entire lasagna.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining the creamy cheese filling ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the lasagna during initial baking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping herbs and slicing the lasagna after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Assemble Million Dollar Lasagna

• Brown Delicious Meats

Toss ground beef and Italian sausage into a sizzling skillet. Cook until perfectly browned, breaking meat into delectable crumbles. Drain extra grease for a lighter texture.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Add minced garlic and aromatic marinara sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich, complex flavors for about 10 minutes.

• Craft Creamy Cheese Mixture

Blend ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream in a mixing bowl. Crack in a fresh egg and stir until silky smooth. Mix in shredded cheese and herbs for extra richness.

• Layer With Love

Spread a thin meat sauce layer in a baking dish. Arrange lasagna noodles carefully. Alternate layers of cheese mixture and meat sauce, creating delicious strata. Top with generous cheese sprinkle.

• Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and slide into a 375F oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tips To Get Lasagna Rich And Creamy

• Flavor Boosting Trick: Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce for deeper, more complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna completely up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles or use thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat with a hearty mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted vegetables. Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella to create a satisfying meatless version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap the baked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected dinner guests.

Serving Million Dollar Lasagna Like A Pro

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Slice the lasagna into generous portions and serve on warmed ceramic plates, allowing the layers to showcase their delicious height and rich colors.
• Comfort Meal Companions: Pair with a crisp caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to balance the hearty lasagna's richness.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the robust meat sauce and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish's presentation and flavor profile.

Storing Million Dollar Lasagna Perfectly

• Chilled Sanctuary: Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezer Friendly Portions: Slice and wrap individual servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna stays delicious for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Magic: Restore lasagna's original deliciousness by warming in the oven at 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. For single servings, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Advance Preparation Trick: Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state. Add 10-15 minutes to the original baking time to ensure thorough heating.

Heavenly Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Million dollar lasagna combines rich layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses for an irresistible Italian-American classic. Generous portions and bold flavors make this dish perfect for family gatherings or comforting weekend meals you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 0.5 lb (227 g) Italian sausage
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 3 cups (680 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup mixed in, 2 cups for topping)
• 0.75 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese (0.5 cup mixed in, 0.25 cup for topping)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz or 680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked to al dente

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Meat Sauce Creation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage. Add onions and garlic, creating an aromatic foundation. Introduce marinara sauce, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors thoroughly.
3. Cheese Mixture Development: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream into a silky blend. Incorporate beaten egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and seasonings. Whisk until achieving a smooth, uniform filling.
4. Layering Technique: Spread a thin base of meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles slightly overlapping. Distribute one-third of the cheese mixture, followed by meat sauce. Repeat the layering process twice, ensuring the top layer is meat sauce.
5. Cheese Topping and Initial Baking: Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan over the surface. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Final Baking and Browning: Remove foil to allow cheese to develop a golden, bubbling crust. Continue baking for 20 more minutes until achieving a perfect golden-brown appearance.
7. Resting and Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set layers and intensify flavors. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose high-quality ground beef and Italian sausage with moderate fat content for richer, more robust flavor and better binding of sauce.
• Cheese Blend Balance: Ensure ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream are at room temperature to create a smoother, more homogeneous cheese mixture without lumps.
• Layering Technique: Press each noodle layer gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure even cooking, preventing dry or uneven sections in the lasagna.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to intensify and making day-of preparation easier and more convenient.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg