Million Dollar Lasagna takes everything we love about traditional lasagna and elevates it to pure comfort-food luxury. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and an ultra-creamy cheese filling made with ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream come together to create a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. This is the kind of lasagna you make for special occasions, holidays, or family gatherings, when you want something familiar yet unforgettable. Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and baked to golden perfection, it’s guaranteed to be the star of the table.
🥄 Why this lasagna is called “Million Dollar”
What sets this recipe apart is the luxurious cheese layer. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates an incredibly smooth and rich texture that melts beautifully into the meat sauce. The result is a lasagna that’s extra creamy, deeply flavorful, and truly indulgent.
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
🛒 Ingredients
For the meat sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cheese mixture
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
For assembly
- 12–15 lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Make the cheese filling
In a large bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, the egg, and parsley. Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over them. Top with meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
🍽️ Serving suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Pair with a fresh green salad for balance
- Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a finishing touch
This Million Dollar Lasagna is rich, creamy, and deeply comforting—everything a classic lasagna should be, taken to the next level. Would you save it for a special occasion or make it your new go-to family favorite? 😋🍝🧀