There’s nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy, and indulgent lasagna to bring people together. And when I say Million Dollar Lasagna, I mean it—this dish is so rich, creamy, and packed with flavor that it truly tastes like a million bucks! Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, prepping for a cozy family dinner, or even planning ahead for leftovers, this lasagna is a total game-changer.

What makes it extra special? The perfect blend of creamy ricotta, indulgent cream cheese, and layers of meaty, flavorful sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came straight out of an Italian grandma’s kitchen—except it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

So, let’s get started on creating a dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

The Secret to a Perfect Lasagna

A great lasagna is all about layers—each bite should be packed with rich sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. But the real magic? The combination of ricotta and cream cheese in the cheese mixture. This little trick makes the filling extra smooth and gives the lasagna that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Before we start assembling, let’s break this down step by step.

Step 1: Making the Meat Sauce

First things first, the meat sauce! This is what gives the lasagna its deep, rich flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients for the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but helps balance acidity)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Stir in the diced onion and cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the sauce from being too oily.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—this step is small but makes a big difference in flavor.
4. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Pro Tip: If you have extra time, let the sauce simmer for even longer (up to 30 minutes). The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors become!

Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Mixture

Now, let’s talk about the cheesy, creamy goodness that takes this lasagna to the next level.

Ingredients for the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the parsley. This makes the filling extra rich and flavorful.
3. Set the cheese mixture aside—you’ll need it when it’s time to assemble the lasagna.

Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If it’s still cold, it won’t blend as smoothly with the ricotta.

Step 3: Prepping the Noodles and Oven

Before we dive into layering, let’s make sure everything is set and ready to go.

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. You want them to be just al dente—they’ll continue to soften while baking.
2. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet to keep them from sticking together.
3. While the noodles cool, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna

Now comes the layering process! This is where everything comes together to create that rich, decadent lasagna that everyone will love.

Instructions:

1. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce—spread just enough on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the noodles from sticking.
2. Layer the noodles—place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
3. Add the cheese mixture—spread a generous layer of the ricotta and cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
4. Add more meat sauce—spoon a layer of the rich, flavorful meat sauce over the cheese.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella—use a handful of shredded mozzarella to add extra cheesiness.
6. Repeat the layers—continue layering in the same order: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Keep going until all ingredients are used.
7. Top it off—finish with a final layer of meat sauce and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This will give you that irresistible golden, bubbly topping once baked.

Pro Tip: Press down gently on each layer as you go. This helps the lasagna hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart when sliced.

Step 5: Baking the Lasagna

Now that your lasagna is beautifully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.

Instructions:

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil—this helps keep the moisture in and prevents the cheese from burning too soon.
2. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
4. Let it rest—this is so important! Allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tip: If you love that crispy, slightly caramelized cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! This lasagna is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze this lasagna?

Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 60–75 minutes, or until heated through.

If you’re freezing leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.

3. Do I have to use cream cheese in the cheese mixture?

No, but it’s what gives this lasagna its ultra-rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a more traditional ricotta-based filling, you can skip the cream cheese or substitute it with an extra cup of ricotta.

4. Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles instead of regular ones?

Yes! If using oven-ready (no-boil) noodles, you may need to add a little extra sauce to ensure they soften properly while baking. The extra moisture from the sauce helps them cook evenly.

5. How do I make this lasagna lighter?

For a lighter version, you can:

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.
• Replace cream cheese with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
• Use part-skim mozzarella and ricotta instead of full-fat versions.

6. What can I serve with lasagna?

Lasagna is already a hearty dish, but it pairs well with:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or homemade breadsticks.
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

7. Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?

Yes! If you want to sneak in extra veggies, try adding:

• Spinach (mix it into the cheese filling).
• Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini (sauté them with the meat sauce).
• Shredded carrots (they add a subtle sweetness and blend right into the sauce).

Conclusion: Time to Dig In!

And there you have it—Million Dollar Lasagna that’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, this lasagna is always a hit.

The best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it the ultimate comfort food to enjoy all week long.

Happy cooking!

MILLION DOLLAR LASAGNA

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• Author: Lucas Recipes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

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Description

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich, creamy, and indulgent twist on the classic dish! The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and gooey mozzarella makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

For the Layers:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (extra, for topping)
• Extra parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2️⃣ Make the Cheese Mixture:

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley until smooth.

Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and set aside.

3️⃣ Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

4️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.

Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.

Sprinkle with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used.

Finish with a layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella on top.

5️⃣ Bake:

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6️⃣ Rest and Serve:

Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm!

Notes

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
• Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes