Introduction

This Ultimate Million Dollar Lasagna is so rich and cheesy it lives up to its name! Layers of pasta, robust meat sauce, and multiple cheeses create an unforgettable comfort food experience. For a quicker lasagna-inspired meal, try this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe, or explore another cheesy favorite with these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps Recipe.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna features layers of rich meat sauce, a creamy three-cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta that creates an unforgettable dining experience with every forkful.

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1.25 lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (24 oz) container cottage cheese
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

Timing

Prep Time	45 minutes
Cook Time	1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time	2 hours

Context: This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to streamlined preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain saucy enough to coat the pasta.

Step 2 — Make the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.

For best texture, use whole milk ricotta and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing. This prevents a grainy filling and ensures even distribution in your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna.

Step 3 — Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following package directions but reducing time by 1-2 minutes.

Drain immediately and lay noodles flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will finish cooking during baking, so avoid overcooking now to maintain structure.

Step 4 — Assemble the First Layers

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3-4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.

Top with half the ricotta mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more.

Step 5 — Create the Final Layers

Add a third layer of noodles, then cover with remaining meat sauce. Generously top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.

For optimal browning, use a combination of whole milk and part-skim mozzarella. The fat content creates that signature golden crust on your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should slide through easily. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a food thermometer.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Remove the lasagna from oven and let rest on a cooling rack for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and prevents a runny presentation.

Use a sharp knife for clean slices and a spatula to lift portions from the dish. The resting period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna.

Nutritional Information

Calories	520
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	24g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option that still provides savory depth without excess fat.
• Lentils or mushrooms — Plant-based alternatives that add earthy flavor and meaty texture while boosting fiber.
• Zucchini or eggplant slices — Lower-carb noodle replacements that absorb the rich sauce beautifully.
• Whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles — Fiber-rich or celiac-friendly options that maintain traditional structure.
• Low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese — Creamy dairy with reduced fat content while keeping the classic lasagna layers intact.
• Nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese — Vegan alternatives that provide cheesy flavor without lactose.
• Reduced-sodium tomato sauce and cheeses — Cuts salt significantly while allowing herb and spice flavors to shine through.
• Spinach or kale layers — Nutrient-packed greens that add color, vitamins, and texture between pasta sheets.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a classic Italian-American feast
• Serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meat sauce and cheeses
• Perfect for Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events where you want to impress guests
• For elegant plating, use a square cutter to create clean portions and garnish with fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan
• Create individual servings in ramekins for dinner parties or special occasions
• Balance the richness with light sides like roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna makes enough to feed a crowd and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery ricotta that makes layers soggy. Fix: Drain ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before assembling.
• Mistake: Overcooking lasagna noodles until they turn mushy. Fix: Cook noodles al dente since they’ll soften further while baking.
• Mistake: Skipping the meat sauce reduction step. Fix: Simmer sauce until thickened to prevent a watery final dish.
• Mistake: Applying sauce too sparingly between layers. Fix: Spread generous, even sauce layers to keep the lasagna moist.
• Mistake: Not letting the Million Dollar Italian Lasagna rest after baking. Fix: Wait 15–20 minutes before slicing for clean portions.
• Mistake: Using low-moisture mozzarella exclusively. Fix: Blend fresh mozzarella with low-moisture for superior melt and flavor.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, burning the top. Fix: Cover with foil for most of the bake, then uncover to brown.
• Mistake: Neglecting to season each component adequately. Fix: Taste and season meat sauce, cheese mixture, and noodles separately.
• Mistake: Rushing the layering process unevenly. Fix: Build uniform layers and press gently to eliminate air pockets.
• Mistake: Forgetting to test doneness with a knife. Fix: Insert a knife into the center—it should slide in easily when fully cooked.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat covered at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30–45 minutes for a full pan.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is reheated to a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is truly a showstopper, perfect for feeding a crowd or a special family dinner. If you love this recipe, try our One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe for a quicker twist! We hope you enjoy making it—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more amazing recipes.

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FAQs

What makes this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna so special?

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna earns its name from the rich, layered flavors of its homemade meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and high-quality cheeses. It uses a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for a deeper, more authentic taste. The careful assembly and slow baking create a truly luxurious dish.

Can I prepare the Million Dollar Italian Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Million Dollar Italian Lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What is the best way to layer a Million Dollar Italian Lasagna?

Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then alternate layers of noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and béchamel, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. This method ensures every bite of your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is perfectly balanced.