Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
If there was ever a show-stopping comfort food classic destined for your dinner table, it’s Million Dollar Lasagna. This beloved baked pasta is more than just another casserole—it’s a luscious, multi-layered experience loaded with creamy cheeses, rich tomato meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. Each cheesy bite is pure coziness, and the recipe strikes a beautiful balance between attainable weeknight magic and crowd-pleasing decadence. Whether you want to impress guests or just spoil your family a little, this lasagna has a place in your heart—and your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about Million Dollar Lasagna comes together thanks to a handful of thoughtful, straightforward ingredients. Each one serves a purpose, whether it’s adding unforgettable flavor, dreamy texture, or that gorgeous golden color on top. This isn’t the time to cut corners—bring your best for the most delicious results.
- Lasagna noodles: The backbone of every good lasagna, giving structure and that classic pasta bite—cook just until al dente for the perfect layers.
- Italian sausage or ground beef: Adds savory depth and a little bit of spice; you can go all sausage, all beef, or a mix for more complexity.
- Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety for convenience, or go homemade for even more flavor control.
- Tomato sauce: Helps round out the meat sauce, preventing it from being too thick or too thin.
- Italian seasoning: A simple way to infuse a medley of herbs into the sauce with a single sprinkle.
- Cottage cheese: Classic for creamy richness; if you’re feeling fancy, try small-curd cottage cheese for an even smoother texture.
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient—when softened, it blends into the cheese filling like velvet.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the creamy layer, making the filling feel extra luxurious.
- Egg (beaten): Binds everything together, so your cheesy layers hold their shape perfectly when sliced.
- Dried parsley: Brings a touch of freshness and color to the creamy cheese filling.
- Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts into those beautiful, stretchy, gooey layers that everyone loves in Million Dollar Lasagna.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to both the middle and the golden top—never skip it!
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set the stage for lasagna greatness by preheating your oven to 375°F. The right temperature ensures your layers bake evenly and those luscious cheeses melt and bubble just right. Taking the time now means no waiting around later!
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil your lasagna noodles following the package directions—usually 8 to 10 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Once cooked, drain and carefully lay them out on a kitchen towel to keep them from sticking. A gentle toss with a teaspoon of olive oil also helps prevent any clinginess.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown your Italian sausage (or ground beef) over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. When there’s no pink left, drain off any excess fat. Stir in your spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until it begins to thicken and the flavors marry. Remove from the heat to cool slightly as you prep the cheese layer.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix everything together until smooth, creamy, and beautifully speckled with herbs. This signature blend is what sets Million Dollar Lasagna apart!
Step 5: Assemble the First Layer
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spoon 1 cup of your savory meat sauce onto the bottom, spreading evenly. Lay down 6 noodles lengthwise, overlapping them slightly to form a solid layer. This base is the foundation of your masterpiece.
Step 6: Build the Creamy and Cheesy Middle
Spread half of the cheese mixture across the noodles. Top with one-third of your mozzarella slices for that stretchy, gooey layer everyone adores. Next, spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella, then generously sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan for extra flavor. You’re building a skyscraper of comfort.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Now, repeat your layering magic: arrange the remaining 6 noodles over the saucy, cheesy goodness, spread on the rest of the cheese mixture, add another third of mozzarella slices, pour over the last of the meat sauce, and finish with the rest of the parmesan. Top everything with the remaining mozzarella. You should see gorgeous color variation and anticipate serious deliciousness.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to steam without drying out. Then, remove the foil and return the lasagna to the oven for another 30 minutes, letting the top get bubbly, golden, and irresistible. Once baked, let it stand for 15 minutes so your Million Dollar Lasagna slices up perfectly every time.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna
Garnishes
Brighten each slice of Million Dollar Lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving—it’s not just for looks! That pop of green brings a hint of freshness and liveliness that lifts all those rich, cheesy layers. Cracked black pepper or a shower of extra parmesan is also highly recommended for real cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This hearty main practically begs for a fresh, crisp side salad—think garlicky Caesar or a zippy Italian chopped salad. Warm, garlicky breadsticks or a classic focaccia are perfect for sopping up every last swirl of sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted vegetables like broccolini or zucchini make a wholesome addition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Million Dollar Lasagna in a pretty white baking dish for a rustic, old-school feel, or use individual ramekins for charming, single-serve portions at a dinner party. Any leftovers can be cut into cubes for skewered lasagna bites at a buffet table—a quirky and delightful surprise! You can even top each slice with a dollop of ricotta for a chef’s touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Million Dollar Lasagna to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it the perfect lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen as it sits!
Freezing
This lasagna is famously freezer-friendly. You can freeze individual slices or the whole pan. Just wrap thoroughly in foil and then plastic wrap, labeling with the date. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Million Dollar Lasagna in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot and bubbling—about 25 minutes for a whole pan, or less for single slices. Microwave works for speed, but the oven gives you the crispiest top. If frozen, bake straight from the freezer (just add extra time and check for doneness).
FAQs
Can I substitute ricotta for cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta is a classic swap and gives a slightly smoother, more traditional lasagna texture. Both work beautifully, so use whatever you prefer or have on hand for your Million Dollar Lasagna.
How do I prevent my lasagna from getting watery?
Draining your meat well, using no-boil or well-drained noodles, and letting your lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking all help keep those layers firm and sliceable, without a watery bottom.
Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let the pan sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before it goes in the hot oven.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
You bet! Simply skip the meat and try layering sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or your favorite veggies with the cheese and sauce. The flavors will still be rich and irresistible.
What do I do if my top layer is getting too brown?
If you notice the top cheese getting too golden before it’s heated through, loosely cover with foil for the last part of baking. This lets the center cook fully without burning the top.
Final Thoughts
Truly, there’s a reason Million Dollar Lasagna is a beloved classic—it delivers big flavor, big comfort, and big smiles every time it hits the table. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your most-requested recipe. Gather your ingredients and share a panful of joy with the people you love!
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Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Indulge in this rich and decadent Million Dollar Lasagna recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family. Layers of lasagna noodles, flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted cheese make this dish a standout favorite.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1–1/4 lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese Filling
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Cheese Toppings
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and parsley. Set aside.
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup meat sauce in the bottom of the pan. Top with 6 lasagna noodles, lengthwise and overlapping to cover.
- Top noodles with half of the cottage cheese, top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1/2 of meat sauce over cheese; sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan.
- Repeat layering; starting with 6 lasagna noodles and ending with remaining meat sauce and parmesan cheese. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil.
- Bake lasagna covered for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered an additional 30 minutes, until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Lasagna, Lasagna Recipe, Italian Lasagna
