There's nothing quite like digging into a warm, cheesy slice of Million Dollar Lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort food. It's a recipe that tastes like it took all day to make, yet it's surprisingly simple to put together.
I first made this lasagna for a family gathering, hoping to impress everyone with something extra special. One bite in, and it was clear—this recipe was a winner. Now, it has become a staple in my home, requested time and time again. Get ready to discover your new favorite lasagna recipe!
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna
Get ready to fall in love with this luxurious twist on a classic favorite. This Million Dollar Lasagna is packed with flavor, incredibly rich, and perfect for any occasion.
First, it's easy to prepare. Though it looks and tastes extravagant, the step-by-step process ensures anyone can make it successfully.
Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday meal, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
It's also freezer-friendly. You can make it ahead of time and store it for a future meal, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Lastly, the combination of creamy ricotta, seasoned meat, and perfectly melted cheese creates a taste and texture that truly feels indulgent.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Million Dollar Lasagna lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients that create an unforgettable dish.
Ground beef and Italian sausage provide a rich and hearty base for the meat sauce. The sausage adds extra depth of flavor, while the beef keeps it classic.
Ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream come together to form the signature creamy layer. This unique blend makes the filling extra smooth and decadent.
Lasagna noodles are the foundation of the dish. While traditional noodles work great, you can also use oven-ready ones to save time.
Marinara sauce ties everything together. Choose a high-quality store-bought option or make your own from scratch for an even fresher taste.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create that beautifully melted, golden-brown topping. Using a mix of both ensures the perfect balance of gooey and sharp flavors.
How To Make This Million Dollar Lasagna

Creating this irresistible lasagna is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to make a dish worthy of its million-dollar name.
Start by cooking the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in your favorite marinara sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy, creating the rich layer that makes this lasagna so special.
Boil your lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Now, it's time to assemble. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture, then more sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Storage Options
This Million Dollar Lasagna stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
To refrigerate, let the lasagna cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For freezing, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about an hour, or thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or cover and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about lasagna is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize this recipe to your taste.
For a lighter version, swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. You can also use low-fat ricotta and sour cream to cut down on calories.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding layers of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious, veggie-packed alternative.
For extra cheesiness, add a layer of provolone or cheddar cheese between the layers for a bolder flavor.
If you love spice, mix in some red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
However you make it, this Million Dollar Lasagna is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, cheesy, and creamy baked pasta dish featuring layers of seasoned beef, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Stir in marinara sauce, simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Add lasagna noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Let the lasagna sit before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter texture.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
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