Some dishes make you pause with the first bite—and this Million Dollar Lasagna is one of them. Rich, creamy, and perfectly layered, it tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant but made right in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that turns any dinner into a celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna
This isn’t your everyday lasagna—it’s bold, cheesy, and luxuriously creamy.
- Layers of meat, sauce, and rich cheese filling
- Crowd-pleasing comfort for holidays or Sunday dinners
- Customizable with your favorite pasta sauce or cheeses
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals
- Feeds a family with leftovers to spare
- Smells like a dream while baking
I learned this recipe after a long week on the road when my wife made a bubbling lasagna waiting at home. That first bite reminded me why I love home cooking—it’s about care, patience, and the magic of simple ingredients layered with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe combines hearty meats, creamy cheeses, and classic Italian seasoning for a truly indulgent bake.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (9 ounces) lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ons Or Substitutes
- Swap beef with ground turkey for a lighter version
- Use part-skim ricotta or low-fat sour cream to reduce richness
- Add spinach or mushrooms for veggie layers
- Use no-boil noodles for convenience
- Replace cheddar with provolone for smoother melt
- Add red pepper flakes for a little kick
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making Million Dollar Lasagna is all about layering flavors. Here’s how to build it perfectly.
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook The Meat: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce: Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, garlic, and seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes to deepen flavor. (The kitchen will smell incredible!)
- Mix The Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and ½ cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Layer It Up:
- Spread 1 cup meat sauce in the bottom of the pan.
- Add a layer of noodles.
- Spread a generous layer of cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool & Serve: Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing for clean layers. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Quick reminders:
- Don’t skip resting time—it keeps layers intact.
- Drain meats well to avoid greasy sauce.
- Use whole-milk cheese for best flavor.
- Bake uncovered at the end for that golden top.
Expert Tips For Success
A few small adjustments make this lasagna restaurant-level.
- Combine cream cheese with ricotta for that signature “million-dollar” richness.
- Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a velvety texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better.
- Layer thin to avoid sogginess.
- Let it rest before serving for clean slices.
- Freeze individual portions for easy reheating.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad for balance.
Like my Seafood Lasagna, this recipe shows that layers of flavor make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna stands tall on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides.
- Serve with garlic knots or crusty bread
- Add Greek Potato Salad for a fresh side
- Pair with Caesar salad or roasted vegetables
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving
- Enjoy with iced tea or sparkling lemonade
- Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or potlucks
It’s also a great match with One-Pot Corn Pasta for carb lovers at the table.
Storing And Reheating
Lasagna tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How To Store It
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap
- Freeze slices individually up to 3 months
- Store in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
How To Reheat It
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil
- Microwave single slices 1–2 minutes, covered
- Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to keep moist
- Avoid over-microwaving—it can dry the edges
- Sprinkle fresh cheese before serving to refresh flavor
Even after reheating, the layers stay creamy and rich—just like day one.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 615 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 38g | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Million Dollar” Lasagna?
Because the combination of ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese makes it taste extra rich and indulgent.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze it unbaked?
Definitely. Freeze before baking and add 10–15 minutes to bake time when cooking from frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Lasagna is more than a recipe—it’s a dish that feels like home. Every layer brings comfort, flavor, and a reminder that good food doesn’t need to be fancy to feel special.
- Mix cheeses for creamy texture
- Rest before slicing for neat layers
- Share it—it’s made to bring people together
If you love this kind of rich comfort, you’ll adore my Creamy Millionaire Gnocchi next—it’s just as indulgent and unbelievably satisfying.
Million Dollar Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and ½ cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Layer as follows: 1 cup meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, cheddar. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and cheeses on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Italian sausage assumed to be pork-free; substitute with turkey or chicken sausage if needed.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta if blended smooth.
