Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a dish that lives up to its name! It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a weeknight dinner, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What sets it apart is the creamy layer of cream cheese and sour cream that takes the traditional lasagna to a whole new level of indulgence. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 jars (24 oz each) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Assembly:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Make the Creamy Layer:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread a third of the creamy mixture over the noodles.
- Top with a layer of the meat sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, creamy layer, meat sauce, cheese) two more times, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let Rest and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for a family meal or leftovers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef and sausage with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick of heat.
Cheese Alternatives: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta cheese if preferred. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the lasagna either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly for this recipe. Opt for a high-quality brand to enhance the flavor, or add your favorite seasonings to make it taste homemade.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?
Be sure to drain the meat well after cooking and pat the cooked lasagna noodles dry. Avoid adding too much liquid to the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions that can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Ricotta cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for cream cheese if you prefer a slightly different texture or flavor.
Can I bake it in smaller portions?
Yes, you can divide the recipe into smaller baking dishes and freeze individual portions for convenient meals.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! Use a larger pan or make two separate dishes if you’re cooking for a big gathering.
How do I make it healthier?
Swap out some of the cheese for low-fat versions, and use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From its hearty layers of savory meat sauce to its creamy cheese blend, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. The ability to prepare it ahead of time or freeze it makes it a time-saver for busy schedules while still delivering homemade comfort. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this lasagna has the power to bring everyone together around the table. Pair it with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Try it today, and let this Million Dollar Lasagna become a staple in your recipe rotation—it’s worth every bite!

If you love this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring other incredible Italian-inspired dishes on the site. Consider trying these recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:

Learn about the difference between Italian and American lasagna to appreciate the unique qualities of each style.
Hosting a dinner party? Follow these tips for hosting the perfect lasagna dinner to impress your guests effortlessly.
Take a dive into the world of classic pasta with this delicious Lasagna Bolognese recipe.
For a quick but equally satisfying option, try this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta with a Cheesy Finish.
Discover the secrets of crafting traditional Italian meatloaf, another comfort food favorite.
Master the art of homemade Italian cuisine with this guide to making fresh pasta.
For dessert, elevate your meal with this authentic Sicilian Pistachio Cream Cake recipe.

Add these recipes to your rotation and create an unforgettable Italian feast that will have everyone asking for seconds!