Million Dollar Italian Lasagna –

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna takes the classic comfort food to an indulgent new level. Layers of tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a dish that truly tastes like a million bucks. The “million dollar” secret lies in the rich, creamy cheese layer made with ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream, which adds a luscious texture and depth of flavor you won’t find in a traditional lasagna. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this lasagna is ideal for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or holidays when you want a meal that’s both hearty and unforgettable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles – The foundation of the dish, holding all the layers together.

Ground beef – Adds a hearty, savory base to the meat sauce.

Italian sausage – Brings spice and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Onion – Provides sweetness and aromatics for the sauce.

Garlic – Infuses the dish with classic Italian flavor.

Tomato paste – Concentrates tomato flavor in the sauce.

Crushed tomatoes – Create a rich, chunky base for the sauce.

Tomato sauce – Adds smoothness and ties the sauce together.

Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.

Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.

Ricotta cheese – Forms part of the creamy filling.

Cream cheese – Adds extra richness and a silky texture.

Sour cream – Balances the cheeses with tangy creaminess.

Egg – Helps bind the cheese layer together.

Mozzarella cheese – Melty and gooey, perfect for layering.

Parmesan cheese – Sharp and nutty, adding depth to the topping.

Fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness to the cheese layer.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.

Assemble the lasagna in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish: spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom, add noodles, then a layer of the cheese mixture, followed by mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10–12 servings. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and baking requires 45 minutes. Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or in the microwave for quick servings. Freeze baked lasagna (cooled) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Version – Replace meat with sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

White Lasagna – Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato-based sauce for a creamy version.

Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

Four-Cheese Lasagna – Add provolone or fontina for extra cheesiness.

Low-Carb Option – Substitute zucchini or eggplant slices for noodles.

Make-Ahead Lasagna – Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

FAQs

Why is it called “Million Dollar” lasagna?

Because the creamy ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream layer makes it taste extra rich and indulgent.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

If using regular lasagna noodles, yes. No-boil noodles can be used for convenience.

Can I freeze it unbaked?

Yes, assemble fully, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

Let the sauce simmer until thickened and allow lasagna to rest before slicing.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, but blend it for a smoother consistency.

How do I make the top extra golden?

Broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

What pasta sauce works best?

A thick, hearty sauce works best to prevent sogginess.

Can I add more veggies to the sauce?

Yes, diced carrots, mushrooms, or spinach blend well.

How long should lasagna rest before cutting?

At least 10–15 minutes, so the layers hold together.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is rich, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. With layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a showstopping dish perfect for family dinners and celebrations. Whether you prepare it fresh or make it ahead, this lasagna is a hearty, comforting recipe that tastes just as luxurious as its name suggests.

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