When it comes to comfort food, lasagna sits at the top of the pyramid—and this Million Dollar Lasagna is in a league of its own. Packed with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, this dish earns its name with every bite. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and the kind of meal that makes everyone pause mid-bite to say, “Wow.”
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family night or hosting guests who need impressing, this lasagna delivers bold flavor and ultra-comforting layers that taste like they took all day (spoiler: they didn’t). One forkful of its rich ricotta-cream cheese layer and bubbly mozzarella topping, and you’ll understand why it’s called million dollar.
Why This Lasagna Is Worth Every Bite
Sure, classic lasagna is great—but this version turns up the indulgence with not one, but three types of cheese in a luscious filling. Here’s what makes it extra special:
- Cream cheese + sour cream = game changer: They give the filling a creamy richness that elevates the whole dish.
- Savory meat sauce: Simmered with onions, garlic, basil, and oregano, it’s flavorful without being fussy.
- Perfectly layered: Every bite gives you pasta, sauce, cheese, and that golden mozzarella top.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully and somehow tastes even better the next day.
This is lasagna that feels like a warm hug—and it’s easier to make than you think.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
How I Make Million Dollar Lasagna (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Meat Sauce
I start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, I drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. I sauté everything for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Then I stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can really come together.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, I combine the ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. I stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this is the “million dollar” layer that gives the lasagna its signature richness.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Then I start the layering:
- 4 cooked lasagna noodles
- Half of the cheese mixture
- ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce
I repeat the layers again with noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Then I finish with the last layer of noodles and top everything with the remaining sauce. Finally, I sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top for that bubbly, golden finish.
4. Bake to Perfection
I cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown.
5. Let It Rest
Before slicing, I let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. This helps it set up and makes it way easier to serve.
How I Like to Serve It
This lasagna is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with:
- Garlic bread or focaccia to scoop up every bit of sauce
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad for balance
- Roasted veggies, like zucchini or broccoli, for extra color and texture
- A glass of red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon
It also makes incredible leftovers. Just cover tightly and refrigerate—it reheats like a dream.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Boil the noodles al dente: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape better and absorb some sauce as they bake.
- Use a deep dish: This lasagna is layered and hearty—give it room to rise!
- Let the cream cheese fully soften: This helps the cheese mixture blend smoothly.
- Add a little spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce gives it a subtle kick.
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have ricotta?
A: Cottage cheese is a great substitute. Just blend it if you want a smoother texture.
Q: Can I use oven-ready noodles?
A: Yes—just make sure your sauce is a little thinner to ensure they cook properly while baking.
Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini all work great in this dish.
Why This Lasagna Really Is Worth a Million Bucks
Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name with every rich, creamy, cheesy bite. It’s comfort food at its finest—easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for a special dinner, and always a hit with anyone lucky enough to snag a slice.
Once you try this version, you may never go back to your old lasagna recipe. And honestly? You won’t want to.
Million Dollar Lasagna Is the Rich, Creamy Pasta Bake Your Dinner Table Deserves
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Top the final layer of noodles with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
