There’s nothing quite like a bubbling pan of homemade lasagna fresh out of the oven. This Million Dollar Lasagna takes everything you love about the classic—layers of rich meat sauce, velvety cheese filling, and gooey melted mozzarella—and turns it into pure indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner, entertaining friends, or simply craving something soul-warming, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish right from your kitchen.
Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Medium onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Marinara or tomato sauce | 2 cans (24 oz each) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
For the Cheese Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese | 16 oz |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
For Assembly
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lasagna noodles, cooked (or gluten-free if preferred) | 12 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 3 cups |
| Grated Parmesan (for topping) | ½ cup |
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion, and cook until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain off excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until smooth and creamy—this is what gives your lasagna that luxurious, rich texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer with noodles, then the cheese mixture, followed by more meat sauce and mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and plenty of mozzarella. Sprinkle the last ½ cup of Parmesan evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This resting time ensures perfect, neat layers with every piece.
This Million Dollar Lasagna truly lives up to its name—it’s rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a celebration any night of the week.
