Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like a pan of homemade lasagna bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with its warm, inviting aroma. This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe is everything a comfort food should be: rich, hearty, and packed with layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this lasagna will quickly become a household favorite. Best of all, it’s as easy to make as it is indulgent—perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

This lasagna combines a luscious creamy cheese mixture with a robust, savory meat sauce. The ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream create a velvety layer that beautifully contrasts with the hearty layers of beef and sausage. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and full of Italian-inspired flavors!

Perfect for Any Occasion

This lasagna is ideal for weeknight meals, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings. It makes enough to feed a crowd, and the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day!

Versatile and Customizable

Got picky eaters or dietary restrictions? This recipe is easy to tweak. Swap out proteins, use gluten-free noodles, or add veggies for a healthier spin.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (or substitute with cottage cheese)
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Pasta Layer

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or no-boil noodles)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula and ladle

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
3. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread 1/3 of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
5. Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce) two more times.
6. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

1. Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella make a world of difference in flavor.
2. No-Boil Noodles: If you’re short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles are a lifesaver.
3. Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of meat, cheese, and pasta.
4. Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef and sausage.

What’s the best substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese works wonderfully as a ricotta substitute. It’s creamy, protein-packed, and budget-friendly.

Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions to this dish. Simply layer them between the noodles and sauce.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This lasagna yields about 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna is truly worth every penny (and calorie!). Its layers of creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta make it an unforgettable dish that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s your first time making lasagna or your hundredth, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review and share your creation on Pinterest! For more cheesy, comforting recipes, check out my Baked Ziti Recipe.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approx. 1/8 of the pan):

• Calories: ~575 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 33g

Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!

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