Introduction
If you love rich, cheesy, and hearty pasta dishes, then this Million Dollar Lasagna is about to become your new favorite recipe! This dish takes classic homemade lasagna to the next level with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted mozzarella—all packed between tender lasagna noodles.
So why is it called Million Dollar Lasagna? Because every bite tastes rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable! It combines Italian flavors with a creamy twist, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how to make this mouthwatering lasagna from scratch, along with pro tips, serving suggestions, and storage tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Ultimate Comfort Food – A rich, cheesy, and hearty dish.
✔️ Layers of Flavor – Perfectly seasoned meat sauce, creamy cheese, and gooey mozzarella.
✔️ Feeds a Crowd – Serves 8-10 people, making it great for family meals.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or freezing.
✔️ Better Than Restaurant Lasagna – Homemade flavors with a touch of luxury.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna
To make the best lasagna, you’ll need a combination of meat sauce, cheese filling, and pasta layers.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef – Adds rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 lb Italian sausage – Brings spice and depth.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – Creates a thick, rich sauce.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – Adds depth and smoothness.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- ½ cup water – Helps blend all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – Classic blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a mild kick.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat.
- 1 tbsp sugar – Balances acidity.
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese – Creamy and rich.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – The secret ingredient for extra richness.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds a slight tang and creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings salty, nutty depth.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the mixture.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For freshness.
For the Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles – Cooked according to package instructions.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese – Adds extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the most amazing Million Dollar Lasagna!
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
- Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, egg, and fresh parsley.
- Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Page 2 for more
