Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Picture layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta sheets coming together in one gloriously rich, bubbling casserole. The Million Dollar Lasagna earns every penny of its name with its indulgent combination of creamy cheeses, robust meat sauce, and perfect texture that keeps families coming back for generations. This isn’t just any lasagna—it’s a celebration-worthy dish that transforms ordinary dinners into memorable occasions. You’ll learn how to create this showstopper in your own kitchen, with professional techniques that ensure perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Million Dollar Lasagna stands apart from ordinary pasta bakes with its extraordinary depth of flavor and luxurious texture. The combination of three premium cheeses creates an unmatched creaminess, while the homemade meat sauce delivers rich umami flavor in every bite. The contrast between the crispy, cheese-topped edges and the tender, saucy center creates an irresistible textural experience that will leave your guests speechless.

Unlike many lasagna recipes that become watery or fall apart when served, this version maintains its perfect structure thanks to a special technique for preparing the pasta layers. The recipe is surprisingly approachable despite its impressive results—most ingredients are pantry staples, and the assembly process is straightforward with no complicated techniques required. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply treating your family to something extraordinary, this luxurious lasagna delivers restaurant-quality results without the hefty price tag.

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1½ cups)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz/800g each) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the cheese mixture:

• 16 ounces (450g) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For assembly:

• 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces (450g) low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Additional ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

The key to the Million Dollar Lasagna’s exceptional flavor lies in using whole milk ricotta and cream cheese for maximum richness, along with the combination of both ground beef and Italian sausage for a more complex meat sauce.

Pro Tips

First, don’t rush the meat sauce. Allowing it to simmer for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) develops significantly deeper flavors as the tomatoes break down and meld with the seasonings. This patience yields a sauce that tastes like it was made by an Italian grandmother.

Second, the secret to the perfect cheese layer is bringing your ricotta and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This ensures they blend together smoothly without lumps, creating that signature silky texture that defines the Million Dollar Lasagna. Additionally, draining excess moisture from the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before using prevents a watery final product.

Lastly, resist the urge to slice the lasagna immediately after baking. Allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes is crucial—this resting period lets the layers set and makes for clean, picture-perfect slices that hold their shape on the plate. This also brings the temperature down from scalding to pleasantly hot, enhancing the eating experience.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.

Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions to the remaining fat. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the meat to the pan and stir to combine.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well-incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is what gives Million Dollar Lasagna its luxurious texture and distinctive flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. Place 4 no-boil lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping if necessary. Top with one-third of the cheese mixture, spreading it gently with a spatula, then sprinkle with one-quarter of the shredded mozzarella. Add another layer of meat sauce (about 1½ cups).

Repeat the layering process twice more: noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. For the final layer, place the remaining noodles, top with the last of the meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and the additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the top of the lasagna. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown in spots. If you want an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and let stand for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired before serving your magnificent Million Dollar Lasagna.

Variations

White Million Dollar Lasagna: Create an equally luxurious version by replacing the red sauce with a creamy béchamel. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 6 tablespoons of flour until golden, then gradually add 4 cups of warm milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Layer this with the cheese mixture, adding sautéed spinach and mushrooms between layers for added flavor and texture.

Vegetarian Million Dollar Lasagna: Transform this dish into a meatless marvel by substituting the meat sauce with a robust vegetable mixture. Sauté diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms until caramelized, then mix with the tomato sauce. The depth of flavor from the caramelized vegetables provides a satisfying richness that complements the cheesy layers perfectly.

Spicy Million Dollar Lasagna: For heat-lovers, amp up the flavor by doubling the red pepper flakes in the sauce and adding ½ cup of chopped pickled jalapeños to the cheese mixture. You can also replace half of the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for an additional kick that complements the creaminess of the Million Dollar Lasagna.

Storage and Serving

The Million Dollar Lasagna actually improves with time as the flavors meld further. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For individual portions, microwave on 70% power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

Serve this indulgent lasagna alongside a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a classic pairing. For an elevated dinner party presentation, accompany with roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze and a bottle of robust Italian red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano. For a lighter option, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan to balance the richness of the Million Dollar Lasagna.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then follow the baking instructions, adding an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Why is my lasagna watery?
This typically happens if the ricotta contains too much moisture or if the sauce is too thin. Always drain the ricotta before using and ensure your sauce has simmered long enough to thicken properly.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes. If using regular noodles, cook them for 2 minutes less than package directions (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Alternatively, you can use regular uncooked noodles and add ¼ cup water around the edges of the baking dish before baking.

What makes this a “Million Dollar” Lasagna?
The addition of cream cheese to the traditional ricotta mixture creates an ultra-creamy, luxurious texture, while the combination of both ground beef and Italian sausage adds exceptional depth of flavor.

Can I make this lasagna without meat?
Certainly! Follow the vegetarian variation mentioned above, or simply omit the meat and double the aromatic vegetables in the sauce for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna is comfort food at its finest — a gloriously rich, multi-layered masterpiece that transforms humble ingredients into something truly spectacular. It’s the kind of dish that creates instant traditions and has guests requesting the recipe before they’ve even finished their first serving. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna delivers an experience worth far more than its name suggests. The combination of creamy, cheesy indulgence and robust sauce creates a perfect harmony that will have everyone returning for seconds—and dreaming about it long after the last bite.

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