Million Dollar Lasagna
Some recipes don’t just feed people — they gather them. This Million Dollar Lasagna is one of those dishes that makes the whole house smell like something special is happening. It’s hearty, cheesy, saucy, and gloriously layered, with that bubbling top that practically demands you grab a spatula and “just check” if it’s ready.
What makes it “million dollar” isn’t anything fancy or fussy — it’s the way the flavors and textures stack up into something ridiculously comforting. You’ve got a rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and a creamy cheese filling that’s almost like a cross between lasagna and the coziest baked dip you’ve ever had. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want leftovers that somehow taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
½ lb ground beef
½ lb Italian sausage (pork-based)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
1 large egg
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Layers:
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or oven-ready)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1) Make the meat sauce.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks. Once it’s mostly browned, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and a little sweet-smelling. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant.
Now add the tomato paste, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so everything blends into that rich, cozy sauce. Set it aside.
2) Mix the “million dollar” cheese filling.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. It should look fluffy and spreadable — like something you want to sneak a taste of (and you probably will).
3) Cook the noodles (if needed).
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, boil them until al dente, then drain. Lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly greased surface so they don’t stick together. (This small step saves a lot of frustration later.)
4) Assemble the lasagna.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer it like this:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom (just enough to coat it).
Add 3 noodles.
Spread half of the cheese filling.
Spoon on about ⅓ of the meat sauce.
Sprinkle about 1 cup mozzarella.
Repeat those layers once more:
Noodles → remaining cheese filling → another ⅓ meat sauce → 1 cup mozzarella.
Finish strong:
Top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella.
5) Bake until bubbly and irresistible.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and bubbling around the edges.
6) Rest, slice, and serve.
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This is the hardest part, but it helps everything set up so you get those beautiful, clean layers. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Presentation
For those picture-perfect slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Sprinkle a little chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving — it adds color and makes it look instantly fresh.
A little extra Parmesan on the table is always a good idea.
Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for the full cozy-dinner effect.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🔥 Kcal: 680 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 8 servings
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Lasagna is rich, comforting, and absolutely crowd-pleasing — the kind of dish people go back for “just a little more” (and then a little more after that). It’s creamy in the middle, saucy around the edges, and topped with that golden blanket of mozzarella that makes everything feel extra special.
If you need a guaranteed win for dinner — make this soon. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have leftovers waiting for you tomorrow… which might be the best part. 🍝✨