Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting layers of a homemade Million Dollar Lasagna. Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, this dish transforms a simple pasta bake into something truly indulgent. With a velvety ricotta blend, hearty meat sauce, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, it’s no wonder this recipe feels like a million bucks!

I first discovered this recipe when searching for the ultimate lasagna that would wow my family for a Sunday dinner. After a few tweaks, I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a household favorite. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

Get ready to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing, ultra-cheesy lasagna. It's not just delicious—it’s a total game-changer for family dinners and gatherings alike.

First, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella creates a dish that’s deeply satisfying with every bite.

It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake, making busy weeknights a breeze.

Best of all, this lasagna is budget-friendly! Using simple pantry staples, you get an extravagant-tasting meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its rich layers of carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a role in creating that irresistible taste and texture.

Ground beef and sausage form the hearty base of the sauce. The combination of the two meats gives the lasagna a robust and slightly spiced flavor that sets it apart from traditional recipes.

Ricotta and cream cheese make up the signature “million-dollar” layer. Blending these two together results in an incredibly creamy and luscious filling that elevates the dish beyond a basic lasagna.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide that classic, gooey melt on top. I recommend using freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Marinara sauce brings everything together. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, choose a high-quality sauce with a rich tomato base and balanced seasoning.

A touch of garlic and Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile, ensuring every bite is packed with a classic Italian-inspired taste.

How To Make This Million Dollar Lasagna

Creating this indulgent lasagna is easier than you might think! Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your ground beef and sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat. As they brown, break them up with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease before adding your marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, cream cheese, an egg, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This creates that signature creamy layer that makes this lasagna truly special.

Now, it’s time to assemble! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a generous spread of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this layering process until you reach the top, finishing with a thick layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, allowing the layers to set perfectly.

Storage Options

This lasagna stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

For refrigeration, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

For freezing, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.

To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this lasagna is its versatility! Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for lean turkey and use low-fat ricotta and cream cheese. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness with fewer calories.

Vegetarian? No problem! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious veggie-packed version.

Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Gluten-free? Use gluten-free lasagna noodles—just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before assembling.

Experiment and make this lasagna your own! However you choose to customize it, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite for years to come.

Print