The Legendary Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe Everyone Loves

Layers of rich, creamy goodness define this million dollar lasagna recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Cheese, sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Every bite tells a delicious story of culinary passion and careful preparation.

Home cooks have long sought the ultimate lasagna, and this version delivers extraordinary taste with surprising ease.

The blend of premium ingredients elevates this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress, this lasagna will become your new go-to recipe for special gatherings.

You’ll savor every single, mouthwatering forkful of this incredible Italian-inspired masterpiece.

Why Everyone Raves About Million Dollar Lasagna

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Indulge in a rich, cheesy lasagna that brings everyone together with its irresistible layers of meaty sauce and creamy cheese.
• Customize with Ease: Mix ground beef and Italian sausage for a robust flavor profile that lets you play with ingredients and make the recipe your own.
• Simple Layering Magic: Create restaurant-quality lasagna with straightforward steps that don't require professional cooking skills, making it perfect for home chefs of all levels.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with protein and guaranteed to satisfy hungry family members, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Million Dollar Lasagna Ingredient Checklist

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta layers that create the structure of this delicious dish.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Flavorful protein combination that provides rich and hearty texture to the lasagna.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory foundation to the meat sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that brings moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that enhances the overall taste profile of the meat sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Cottage Cheese, Ricotta: Soft, creamy cheeses that create a smooth and rich filling.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and luxurious texture to the cheese layer.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and additional moisture to the cheese mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and create a consistent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds a nutty and salty dimension.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, stretchy top layer.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor base.

Step-by-Step for Building Lasagna Layers

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil the lasagna noodles following package directions.

Once cooked, drain and set them aside, ready for layering magic.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4: Brown Meaty Goodness

Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet.

Break up the meat and cook until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter dish.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture.

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer and meld flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cottage cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Whisk until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 7: Create Delicious Layers

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

• Lasagna noodles
• Cheese mixture
• Mozzarella cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients.

Step 8: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top layer for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 9: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with cheesy excitement.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delicious anticipation.

Smart Tips for Perfect Lasagna Results

• Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a traditional Italian texture, or mix both for a unique creamy blend.
• Drain cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid and ensure a firmer, less runny dish.
• Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner prep easier.
• Wrap tightly in plastic and foil to freeze up to 3 months, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
• Brown meats separately and drain thoroughly to reduce greasiness and concentrate the rich, savory taste.

Lasagna Recipe Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers for robust flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant layers. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional noodles with thin slices of roasted eggplant or butternut squash. Use low-carb marinara sauce and reduce overall cheese quantity for healthier version.

Creative Serving Ideas for Million Dollar Lasagna

• Dinner Party Delight: Wow your guests with this luxurious lasagna as the centerpiece of an Italian-themed evening.
• Cozy Family Feast: Serve with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a comforting weekend meal that brings everyone together.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich layers with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust flavors.
• Side Dish Symphony: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to balance the hearty lasagna and add nutrition.

How to Store Lasagna Slices for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Cut individual portion, place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Why use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese creates a lighter, creamier texture and is often more budget-friendly. It blends smoothly with cream cheese and sour cream, giving the lasagna a rich, velvety consistency.

• Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• Is this lasagna good for freezing?

Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Million dollar lasagna emerges as a culinary masterpiece that blends rich layers of pasta, savory meats, and creamy cheeses. Comfort meets luxury in this indulgent dish you’ll crave from first bite to last satisfying forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 1 egg

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth food release.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, then carefully drain and set aside for layering.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, browning the meat thoroughly and draining any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
5. Incorporate marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
6. Create a creamy cheese mixture by combining cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-blended.
7. Establish the first layer in the baking dish with a thin spread of meat sauce, followed by a strategic arrangement of noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the lasagna.
9. Crown the lasagna with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden, appetizing topping.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Notes

• Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a more traditional Italian texture and richer flavor profile.
• Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce overall fat content without compromising taste.
• Let lasagna rest 15-20 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier without falling apart.
• Prepare meat sauce a day ahead to enhance flavor depth and allow spices to meld together completely.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 635 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg