Million Dollar Lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and satisfying noodles, this lasagna takes a classic recipe and elevates it to the next level. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just for yourself, this recipe will surely be a hit!
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Making Million Dollar Lasagna is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without too much hassle. The blend of flavors from the ground beef, Italian sausage, and the creamy cheese mixture creates a mouthwatering experience. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead dish that only gets better when stored. You can easily feed a large group, and the leftovers are just as good—making it a great option for busy weeknights.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spread a portion of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process, finishing with meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Serve the Million Dollar Lasagna hot from the oven. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and garlic bread, making for a delightful meal.
How to Store Million Dollar Lasagna
Store any leftover Million Dollar Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the whole dish back in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold its shape and makes serving easier.
Variation
You can customize your Million Dollar Lasagna by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce. This adds extra flavor and nutrition!
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use no-cook lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-cook noodles can save you time, and they absorb moisture from the sauce during baking.
What can I do with leftover lasagna?
Leftover lasagna can be reheated for a quick meal. You can also chop it up and use it as a filling for a savory lasagna soup!
Enjoy making and sharing your Million Dollar Lasagna!
Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper for a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1 cup for layering and 1 cup for topping
Lasagna Assembly
- 1 package Lasagna noodles, cooked and drained you can use no-cook noodles if preferred
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by a portion of the creamy cheese mixture and a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process, finishing with meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
