Million Dollar Lasagna

Here’s a rich, indulgent Million Dollar Lasagna recipe — layered with creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food classic, often called “million dollar” because of its decadent taste and texture.

🍽️ Million Dollar Lasagna

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried

Other:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use oven-ready)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Meat Sauce
   In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage with diced onion until no longer pink. Drain fat.
   Add garlic, marinara, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

3. Make the Cheese Filling
   In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Lasagna
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

   • Layer 3 lasagna noodles.

   • Spread half the cheese mixture.

   • Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.

   • Add a layer of meat sauce.

   • Repeat: noodles, remaining cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, more sauce.

   • Top with final 3 noodles, rest of meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella. Add extra Parmesan if desired.

5. Bake
   Cover with foil (spray underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
   Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Let Rest
   Let lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

📝 Tips

• Use a mix of ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• Add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.

• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance, or freeze before baking.