The Rich & Savory Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a mouthwatering million dollar lasagna challenges even seasoned home cooks with its luxurious layers of flavor.

Pasta sheets nestle between rich, creamy cheeses and perfectly seasoned meat.

Generations of Italian culinary wisdom shine through each carefully constructed bite.

Robust marinara sauce mingles with velvety ricotta, creating a harmony that speaks to comfort and indulgence.

Melted mozzarella forms golden, crispy edges that promise a delectable experience.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe invites you to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Let’s uncover the secret techniques that make this lasagna worth every delicious penny.

Here’s Everything You’ll Need to Begin

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substance to the lasagna.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and spicy undertones to the meat sauce.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic wide pasta sheets that form the structured layers of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and smooth texture to the cheese mixture.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a classic stretchy cheese layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty finish to the top of the lasagna.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that forms the base of the meat sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Enhances the overall tomato flavor and sauce consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of traditional herb flavors.

• Onion: Adds sweet and savory base flavor to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Brings robust and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together.
• Parsley: Adds fresh herb flavor and green color to the cheese mixture.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.

Step-by-Step to Build the Perfect Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil lasagna noodles following package directions.

Drain the noodles and set them aside, keeping them flat to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Drain off any excess fat from the meat mixture.

Step 4: Create the Meat Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Cheese Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Chopped fresh parsley

Step 6: Layer the Lasagna

Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

• Lasagna noodles
• Cheese mixture
• Shredded mozzarella

Repeat the layering process 2-3 times, ending with cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake the Lasagna

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top layer.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Lasagna Tips for Extra Creamy Layers

• Pat cooked noodles dry with paper towels to prevent watery lasagna and ensure layers stay firm.
• Start and end with sauce to create a moist, cohesive dish that holds together perfectly.
• Mix different cheeses for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Allow lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier.
• Replace traditional noodles with zucchini slices or low-carb lasagna sheets for a healthier alternative.

Twist the Classic with New Fillings

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute noodles with thin zucchini slices or low-carb cauliflower sheets for a lighter option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast, and plant-based mozzarella substitute.

Serve Hot Straight from the Oven

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the robust meat and tomato flavors perfectly.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra dimension of flavor to your meal.
• Side Veggie Boost: Roast some colorful seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to balance the hearty lasagna and add nutritional value.

Best Practices for Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically to prevent overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What makes the cheese mixture unique?

The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream creates an ultra-creamy and rich filling that sets this lasagna apart from traditional recipes, giving it a luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative while maintaining similar cooking techniques and proportions.

• How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain excess grease from the meat completely and allow the meat sauce to simmer and reduce before layering, which helps create a thicker, more concentrated sauce that won’t make the lasagna soggy.

Layers of Flavor in This Lasagna

• Crush Complex Flavors: Blend of ground beef and sausage creates a rich, restaurant-worthy taste that elevates traditional lasagna with incredible depth and savory goodness.
• Master Quick Layering: Simple step-by-step assembly makes this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to achieve professional-looking results without stress or complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves hearty, cheesy pasta that satisfies different taste preferences and guarantees clean plates.
• Flexible Meal Prep: Prepare components ahead of time, assemble quickly, and bake when ready, making it an ideal solution for busy households wanting delicious homemade meals without extensive daily cooking.

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy layers of million dollar lasagna promise an irresistible Italian-inspired comfort meal that melts hearts and satisfies serious pasta cravings. Rich cheeses, perfectly seasoned meats, and silky sauce combine to create a memorable dining experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (15 ounces) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray at 375F (190C).
2. Boil lasagna noodles until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel.
3. Combine ground beef and sausage in a large skillet, sautéing with diced onions and minced garlic until meat browns completely.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then incorporate marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and seasonings, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
5. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and chopped parsley until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Construct the lasagna layers strategically: spread a thin meat sauce base, arrange noodles, generously dollop cheese mixture, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering process, ensuring even distribution.
7. Crown the lasagna with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, then bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become crispy and bubbling.
8. Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10 minutes before slicing, which helps maintain structural integrity when serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free cheese mixture for easier blending and consistent texture.
• Consider mixing different ground meats like beef and pork for a more complex, richer flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken and use low-fat cheese alternatives.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 573 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1530 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg