Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to ultimate comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly layered, bubbling, and intensely cheesy lasagna. But today, we’re not just making any lasagna – we’re making Million Dollar Lasagna. This isn’t just a catchy name; it truly feels like a million bucks with its unbelievably rich cheese mixture and savory meat sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping dish!

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this lasagna worth a million dollars in my book? It’s the unique blend of cheeses in the creamy layer. While traditional lasagna often relies solely on ricotta, this recipe incorporates a luxurious mix of ricotta, softened cream cheese, and a hint of sour cream. This trio creates an unparalleled creamy texture and depth of flavor that sets it apart from any other lasagna you’ve had. Coupled with a hearty meat sauce and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan, every forkful is pure bliss. I love that it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, fantastic for meal prepping, and incredibly satisfying on a chilly evening. It’s truly a labor of love that pays off in deliciousness!

The “Million Dollar” Secret

The “Million Dollar” in this lasagna typically refers to its incredibly rich and creamy cheese layer. Unlike a classic lasagna that might rely heavily on just ricotta and mozzarella, “Million Dollar” versions often include a combination of several cheeses and sometimes sour cream or cream cheese to create an extra decadent and smooth filling. This adds a richness and creaminess that truly elevates the dish, making it feel more luxurious and, well, “worth a million dollars” in flavor and texture. This style of lasagna became popular for its indulgent take on a beloved classic, offering a comforting yet elevated experience for family dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly rich and satisfying Million Dollar Lasagna:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean is good)
• 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Other Ingredients:

• 12-15 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular, cooked al dente)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Swaps and Notes

• Meat: Using both ground beef and Italian sausage adds incredible depth. You can use all beef or all sausage if preferred. Ground turkey or a plant-based crumble can be substituted for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are great for texture. You can use diced tomatoes or even a high-quality jarred marinara if you’re in a hurry (adjust other seasonings if using pre-seasoned marinara).
• Dried Herbs: If you have fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon fresh for every teaspoon dried.
• Cheese for Creamy Layer: Whole milk ricotta is best for richness. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy blending. Don’t skip the sour cream – it adds a wonderful tang and extra creaminess!
• Lasagna Noodles:
  • Regular Noodles: Cook al dente (a little firm) according to package directions. Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and cool completely.
  • Oven-Ready Noodles: These can be a great time-saver! If using them, ensure your sauce is a bit looser than usual to provide enough moisture for the noodles to cook.
• Mozzarella: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded, but pre-shredded is convenient.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s assemble this incredible Million Dollar Lasagna:

1. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes (longer is better for flavor development), stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the sauce simmers, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This is your “million dollar” layer!
5. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Assemble Lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer (about 1 cup) of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce (usually 3-4 noodles, depending on their width). You may need to break some to fit.
   • Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Top the cheese mixture with about 1.5 cups of meat sauce.
   • Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining half of the creamy cheese mixture, another 1.5 cups of meat sauce, and another 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
   • Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the last 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (you can spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese sticking). Bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Uncover & Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
9. Rest: This is crucial! Let the lasagna rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart.

Tips for Success

• Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the meat sauce to simmer for a good amount of time deepens its flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: If using regular noodles, cook them slightly al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Drain Fat: Always drain excess fat from your ground meat after browning to avoid a greasy lasagna.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures a smooth and lump-free creamy cheese layer.
• The Rest is Best: Resist the urge to cut into the lasagna immediately. Resting allows the layers to settle and makes for cleaner slices.
• Make Ahead: Lasagna is fantastic for making ahead! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Million Dollar Lasagna is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Essential for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Beverage Pairings: A robust red wine (like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot), or for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon, or a classic iced tea.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Million Dollar Lasagna stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat individual slices in the microwave (cover loosely to prevent drying) or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly (about 20-30 minutes).
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes exceptionally well.
  • Unbaked: Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen (this will significantly increase baking time – often 1.5-2 hours covered, then uncovered).
  • Baked: Cool completely, then slice into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this ultimate comfort food experience, you might also like some of these other hearty and crowd-pleasing recipes:

• For another one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, try my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you love classic Italian comfort food, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-make.
• For a fun, cheesy crowd-feeder, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are fantastic.
• And for another great way to feed a crowd fast, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
• If you’re craving another deep, comforting bowl, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a winner.

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Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Lasagna is truly a masterpiece of comfort food. Its rich, creamy cheese layers and savory meat sauce create an unforgettable dining experience that feels both luxurious and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a little (or a lot!) of culinary indulgence.

I hope you give this incredible recipe a try and experience its “million dollar” magic for yourself! Let me know in the comments below how it turns out for you, and what your go-to comfort foods are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!