Easy Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Creamy Family Favorite

Crafting the perfect million dollar lasagna requires more than just ingredients – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Layers of rich, creamy cheese meld with savory meat sauce in this legendary dish.

Generations of home cooks have passed down secret techniques that make this recipe truly special.

Comfort and nostalgia burst from every carefully assembled bite of this decadent meal.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Passionate home chefs will find joy in mastering this show-stopping classic that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering moment of creating this unforgettable lasagna.

Million Dollar Lasagna Highlights

• Indulge in Comfort: Packed with rich, hearty ingredients that deliver ultimate satisfaction and warmth in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Designed to feed a hungry group, this lasagna becomes the star of any gathering, from family dinners to potluck parties.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping meats, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences without compromising deliciousness.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple layering technique makes this complex-tasting dish surprisingly straightforward, letting home cooks create restaurant-quality meals without extensive culinary skills.

What Goes Into Million Dollar Lasagna

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that provides a strong base for the lasagna.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth of flavor and extra richness to the meat sauce.
• Onion: Provides a savory foundation and enhances the overall taste of the meat mixture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious layer in the lasagna.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a classic stretchy cheese layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and nutty flavor to the top of the lasagna.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that serves as the primary sauce for the lasagna.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and extra tomato flavor to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that enhance the overall Italian flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.

• Lasagna Noodles: The fundamental structure that holds all the delicious layers together.

Making Million Dollar Lasagna at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown Meat and Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Combine ground beef, sausage, and chopped onions in the pan.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color.

Drain away any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend all the delicious flavors together.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Egg

Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build Lasagna Layers

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
• Place lasagna noodles
• Add ricotta cheese mixture
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese

Repeat these layers until you use all ingredients.

Step 6: Add Final Cheese Topping

• Remaining mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Ideas to Master Million Dollar Lasagna

• Drain ground meat thoroughly and use thick marinara sauce to avoid excess liquid.
• Blend ricotta and cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, creamier texture.
• Start and end with sauce to protect noodles and ensure even moisture distribution.
• Allow lasagna to cool 10-15 minutes before serving to help layers set and make cutting easier.
• Prepare lasagna ahead, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 3 months for quick meals.

Lasagna Combos Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or tofu crumbles. Use vegetable marinara sauce for a hearty, meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or zucchini slices. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use thin sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles. Replace marinara with low-carb tomato sauce and add extra cheese for richness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute ricotta and cream cheese with cashew-based cheese. Use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What Complements Million Dollar Lasagna

• Italian Feast Companion: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious meat sauce and complete the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the lasagna's robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the entire dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch to the classic dish.

Million Dollar Lasagna: Save for Later

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.

FAQs

• What makes this lasagna different from traditional recipes?

This version combines ground beef and sausage for richer flavor, and adds cream cheese to the ricotta mixture for extra creaminess and depth.

• Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Is it okay to use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work perfectly and save time. Just ensure they’re fully covered with sauce to cook properly.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive ground meat like ground turkey, or reduce the amount of meat and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to stretch the recipe.

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Lasagna lovers will adore this million dollar lasagna recipe that combines rich flavors and classic Italian ingredients. Creamy cheeses, savory meats, and perfectly layered pasta create a memorable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 egg

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 container (16 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef, sausage, and diced onions over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
4. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cream cheese, and egg until uniformly smooth and well-combined.
5. Construct the lasagna layers strategically: spread a thin base of meat sauce, arrange pasta noodles, distribute the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layering process, ensuring even distribution of meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella.
7. Crown the lasagna with remaining mozzarella and generously dust with Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy top.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become deliciously bubbly.
9. Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10 minutes before serving, which helps maintain structural integrity when slicing.

Notes

• Swap ground meats with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Enhance creaminess by using full-fat dairy ingredients, ensuring a luxurious texture and deeper taste.
• Create make-ahead convenience by assembling lasagna a day before baking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Prevent soggy layers by patting noodles dry and ensuring minimal excess liquid in meat sauce before layering.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 523 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1830 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg