Lasagnes Italiennes à un Million de Dollars
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8–10
If you’re looking for a lasagna that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian trattoria — but with an extra indulgent twist — this Million Dollar Lasagna is it.
Layers of rich meat sauce, ultra-creamy cheese filling, tender noodles, and melty mozzarella come together to create a dish that feels luxurious, comforting, and completely unforgettable.
Why “million dollar”? Because every bite tastes priceless.
Why I Love This Recipe
Classic lasagna is already a comfort food icon. But this version takes it up several notches with a creamy ricotta–cream cheese mixture that makes every layer rich and velvety.
This recipe delivers:
- Deep, savory meat flavor
- Extra-creamy cheese layers
- Perfect balance of sauce and pasta
- Crowd-pleasing appeal
- Incredible leftovers
If you love comforting pasta dishes like This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast or traditional favorites like Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce, this elevated lasagna belongs on your must-make list.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Layer
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion.
Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
3. Make the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ricotta
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Egg
- Parmesan
- 1 cup of mozzarella
- Fresh parsley
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer as follows:
- Lasagna noodles
- Cheese mixture
- Meat sauce
- Sprinkle mozzarella
Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Slightly undercook the noodles so they don’t become mushy while baking.
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Make it a day ahead — it tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
This rich lasagna pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
If you love hearty, comforting meals for family gatherings, you’ll also enjoy:
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: ~750
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 45g
Values may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Reheat covered to maintain moisture.
Leftovers are incredible — the flavors deepen and become even richer.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just another pasta bake. It’s layered comfort, bold flavor, and creamy indulgence all in one dish.
Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner, feeding a crowd, or simply craving something deeply satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.
If you try it, I’d love to hear — do you add extra spice? More cheese? A veggie layer? Let me know how you make this million-dollar masterpiece your own.
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