Name: Million Dollar Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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This Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name—rich, creamy, hearty, and satisfying. With layers of tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a luscious cream cheese filling, this lasagna brings comforting flavors together in one unforgettable dish. It’s the perfect choice for feeding a hungry crowd or making ahead for a week of indulgent dinners. Million Dollar Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes a classic lasagna and turns it into something even more luxurious. The creamy cheese layer adds a rich, velvety texture that balances beautifully with the hearty meat sauce and tender noodles. It’s also easy to prep in advance, which makes it a go-to for busy weeks, family dinners, or potlucks. Whether I’m serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating a slice the next day, it always hits the spot.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lasagna noodles
ground beef
Italian sausage
onion
garlic
marinara sauce
tomato paste
cream cheese
ricotta cheese
sour cream
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
salt
pepper
Italian seasoning
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

I start by boiling the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, then draining and setting them aside.
In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, I drain any excess grease and add in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
I stir in the marinara sauce and tomato paste, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I let it simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld.
For the creamy filling, I beat together cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and a bit of salt until smooth.
Then I begin layering: a bit of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, followed by noodles, the creamy cheese mixture, mozzarella, and more sauce. I repeat the layers and top everything with mozzarella and parmesan.
I cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
After baking, I let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This Million Dollar Lasagna serves about 8 to 10 people. It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and 40 to 45 minutes to bake, plus resting time.

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the meats, using ground turkey or all beef instead of mixing in sausage. I’ve also tried it with spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-packed twist. For a spicier version, I add crushed red pepper to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. If I want to make it lighter, I use reduced-fat cheeses and light sour cream without losing much flavor.

storage/reheating

To store, I keep leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I prefer the oven for the best texture. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions wrapped tightly, and they last up to 3 months.

FAQs

How do I keep the lasagna from being too watery?

I make sure to drain the meat well and simmer the sauce until thick. Also, I let the lasagna rest after baking so it firms up before slicing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the difference between Million Dollar Lasagna and regular lasagna?

The key difference is the rich, creamy layer made with cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream. It gives the lasagna a luxurious texture and flavor boost.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, I’ve used no-boil noodles successfully. I just make sure the sauce has enough moisture and cover the lasagna tightly with foil while baking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. I freeze unbaked or baked lasagna wrapped in layers of foil and plastic wrap. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until hot.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is one of those recipes that always impresses. With its comforting layers and rich, cheesy goodness, it’s a dish I come back to again and again. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, it delivers big flavor and heartwarming satisfaction every single time.