Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, indulgent layers of Million Dollar Lasagna baking in the oven. The bubbling cheese, the savory meat sauce, and the creamy ricotta blend together to create a dish that's pure comfort food. It's the kind of meal that makes any dinner feel extra special, whether it's a weeknight indulgence or a celebratory gathering.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for the ultimate lasagna upgrade. While classic lasagna is always a hit, this version adds a luscious cream cheese mixture that takes it to a whole new level. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to plain old lasagna again!

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked pasta dish. This Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience.

First, it's unbelievably rich and creamy. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a velvety layer that makes every bite melt in your mouth. It’s like lasagna meets cheesecake, but in the best way possible.

Second, this recipe is easy to make ahead. You can assemble everything the night before and pop it in the oven when you're ready. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy nights when you want something homemade without the hassle.

It’s also budget-friendly. Despite its fancy name, this lasagna uses simple, affordable ingredients that come together to create a dish that tastes like a million bucks.

Lastly, it feeds a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a big family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish makes generous portions that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each layer is designed to complement the others, creating the ultimate comfort dish.

Ground beef and Italian sausage form the base of the sauce. The sausage adds extra depth of flavor and a little spice, but you can adjust the ratio to your taste. If you prefer a milder version, go with all ground beef.

Marinara sauce brings the layers together with its rich tomato flavor. Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience, or go homemade if you have extra time. A good quality marinara makes all the difference.

Cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream make up the signature “million-dollar” layer. The cream cheese adds extra creaminess, the ricotta brings that classic lasagna texture, and the sour cream adds a slight tang that balances out the richness.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide the perfect golden, bubbly topping. Mozzarella gives that irresistible melty stretch, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite.

You’ll also need lasagna noodles, preferably oven-ready for convenience. If using regular noodles, be sure to cook them to al dente so they don’t get too soft while baking.

How To Make This Million Dollar Lasagna

Making this lasagna is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Start by cooking the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the creamy layer. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and a bit of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and well combined. This is the secret to that rich, velvety texture that sets this lasagna apart.

Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a small amount of the meat sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures every bite is saucy. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture, and then more meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set so you get those perfect, structured slices instead of a runny mess.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This lasagna stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

For short-term storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

If you want to freeze it, wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Million Dollar Lasagna is how customizable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Want to make it healthier? Swap out the ground beef and sausage for lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also use low-fat cream cheese and ricotta to lighten it up.

Prefer a vegetarian version? Omit the meat and add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a hearty, plant-based take.

Looking for extra spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use hot Italian sausage for a bit of heat.

Gluten-free? No problem! Just use gluten-free lasagna noodles, which work just as well in this recipe.

However you make it, this lasagna is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination of flavors!

This Million Dollar Lasagna is more than just a dish—it’s a masterpiece of creamy, cheesy, saucy perfection. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and see why it truly tastes like a million bucks!

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