Million Dollar Lasagna

Creamy, hearty, and utterly comforting, Million Dollar Lasagna is the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds. With a rich meat sauce, a velvety cheese layer, and golden melted mozzarella on top, this lasagna is dinner-table perfection. Fun fact: many “million dollar” recipes got their name from how addictive they are — one bite and you’ll wonder how something so simple can taste so luxurious. I love how this recipe comes together quickly and feeds a crowd without fuss.

This lasagna stands out because it’s simple to assemble, cooks in a reasonable amount of time, and is wildly family-friendly. If you enjoy crowd-pleasing desserts like Million Dollar Cake, you’ll recognize the same comfort-food charm and wide appeal that makes both recipes staples for holidays and weeknights alike. Give it a try — your family will thank you.

What is Million Dollar Lasagna?

Why is it called Million Dollar Lasagna? Is it made of gold? Probably not, but it might feel that way when everyone at the table dives in. Could the name be a cheeky nod to how it “buys” you favor with friends and family? After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe it’s that irresistible mix of creamy cheese and savory meat that feels like a million bucks. Try it and see if your crew starts calling it priceless. You’ll be inviting this one back to the table again and again.

Why You’ll Love This

• Decadent, comforting flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, bright marinara, and a luscious cheese layer creates a rich, satisfying bite in every forkful. The textures — creamy, saucy, and slightly crispy on top — are pure comfort.
• Budget-friendly and filling: Making this at home stretches inexpensive ingredients into a meal that feeds many. You get that restaurant-style satisfaction for a fraction of the cost.
• Versatile toppings and add-ins: Fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes let you customize the lasagna to your taste. If you love stuffed pasta with rich fillings, you might also enjoy Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for another comforting option.

Ready to make it? This one’s a winner for weeknights, potlucks, and lazy Sunday dinners.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Million Dollar Lasagna is easy to prepare, full of bold flavor, and satisfying to serve. Preparation is straightforward: brown the meat, simmer a flavorful sauce, mix a creamy cheese filling, layer, and bake. The standout element is the silky cream cheese–ricotta blend that keeps each bite rich and moist. Total time: about 15 minutes prep, 45–55 minutes baking, plus a 15-minute rest — plan roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, raw, lean, no preparation needed
1/2 lb Italian sausage, raw, casings removed if necessary, crumbled
1 medium onion, diced small
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz), room temperature
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), undrained
1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
1 tsp salt, divided (season meat and cheese as noted)
1/8 tsp pepper, divided
2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, room temperature
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream, chilled or room temperature
1 large egg, beaten lightly
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated if possible
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)
Lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained (use regular or oven-ready as noted)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb Italian sausage, and the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Season the meat mixture with 1 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper while it cooks. Drain excess grease from the skillet to keep the sauce from becoming oily.
4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce (24 oz jar), 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) with juices, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. While the sauce simmers, make the creamy cheese layer. In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups ricotta (or cottage cheese), 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Season with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared 9×13 dish to prevent sticking.
7. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (trim noodles if needed to fit).
8. Spread one-third of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
9. Spoon a layer of meat sauce over the cheese layer, smoothing it out.
10. Repeat layering: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, top with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Remove from oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set. Serve warm.

What to Serve With

• Classic garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart bread for soaking up extra sauce
• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for balance
• A light red wine like Chianti or a sparkling soda for family-friendly pairing
• Simple marinara or extra grated Parmesan on the side for picky eaters

Top Tips for Perfecting

• Use room-temperature cheeses: Softening cream cheese and bringing ricotta to room temp helps the filling mix smoothly.
• Drain grease thoroughly: Removing excess fat from the meat prevents a greasy lasagna.
• Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercook regular lasagna noodles; they’ll finish cooking in the oven and absorb sauce without getting mushy.
• Let it rest: Waiting 10–20 minutes before cutting keeps neat slices.
• Add fresh herbs: Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley into the cheese layer for brightness.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking — add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
• Avoid over-salting: Taste the sauce before adding extra salt; cheeses and canned tomatoes often contain sodium.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cover leftover lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Cool lasagna completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze in the baking dish covered with two layers of foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
Reheating from fridge: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F for 25–35 minutes, removing the foil at the end to brown the top. If baking from frozen, add 20–30 minutes to allow thorough heating.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Replace ground beef and sausage with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, chopped eggplant, zucchini, or a plant-based meat substitute. Increase the seasoning and add a splash of balsamic for depth.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely. No-boil noodles work well; make sure there’s enough sauce so they can hydrate during baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to baking time.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Drain excess grease from the meat and avoid using watery, low-quality canned tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer to reduce excess liquid before layering.

Can I freeze individual portions?
Yes. Cut into single servings, wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I swap ricotta for cottage cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese is a fine substitute and lighter in texture. If using cottage cheese, pulse it in a blender briefly for a smoother filling if desired.

Is there a way to make this ahead for a crowd?
You can assemble the lasagna, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready. For potlucks, fully bake, cool, and reheat at your destination.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is a reliably comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and tastes like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, this lasagna delivers creamy texture, rich flavor, and great value. For another version and inspiration for this classic, check out Million Dollar Lasagna – Plain Chicken (https://www.plainchicken.com/million-dollar-lasagna/). Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the applause at the dinner table.