Introduction

This is the ultimate comfort food: The Million Dollar Lasagna. It’s a rich, decadent, and deeply satisfying dish that has earned its name. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta, this secret family recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. For another festive pasta bake, try our Christmas Lasagna Recipe.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe layers rich, savory meat sauce with a uniquely creamy and tangy cheese filling, all baked to golden perfection. Gather these ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food.

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 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
• 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
• 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 45 minutes

Context: This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, as the simplified sauce and layering process cuts down on traditional simmering and assembly time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat, then add 1 diced onion and 3–4 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened.

Stir in two 24-ounce jars of high-quality marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2 — Make the Ricotta Filling

While the sauce simmers, combine 32 ounces of whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley in a medium bowl. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for depth.

Mix until just combined. For the best texture, let the ricotta mixture sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before assembling; this helps it spread more easily between the lasagna layers.

Step 3 — Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package directions for “al dente,” usually about 8–10 minutes. They should be pliable but still have a firm bite.

Drain the noodles and lay them flat in a single layer on oiled parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking, as they will soften further during baking.

Step 4 — Assemble the First Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This thin layer prevents the noodles from sticking.

Place 4 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5 — Build the Middle and Top Layers

Repeat the layering process: 4 more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another 1/3 of the meat sauce, and another cup of mozzarella. For the final layer, add the last 4 noodles and cover them with the remaining meat sauce.

Reserve the final 1–2 cups of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan for the top. This ensures a beautifully golden, cheesy crust.

Step 6 — Bake Covered

Tightly cover the assembled Million Dollar Lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The foil traps steam, cooking the noodles through and melding the layers without drying out the top.

Step 7 — Finish Baking Uncovered

Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Return the lasagna to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes.

The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and spotty brown, and the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

This is the most crucial step for perfect slices. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, on a wire rack for a minimum of 15–20 minutes. This allows the layers to set and the excess liquid to be reabsorbed.

Cutting into the lasagna too soon will result in a soupy, messy presentation. The wait is worth it for clean, defined layers.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~580 kcal
Protein	~32 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~28 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~950 mg

Note: These are estimated values for one serving of Million Dollar Lasagna and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavor.

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — Swapping beef for a leaner poultry reduces saturated fat while maintaining a savory, meaty texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Plant-Based Ground “Meat” — A great protein alternative for a vegetarian or dairy-free version; choose a well-seasoned variety to ensure it stands up to the robust sauce.
• Zucchini or Eggplant Slices — For a lower-carb option, thinly slice and lightly salt these vegetables to use in place of pasta sheets, adding a fresh, garden-forward note.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles — An easy one-to-one swap that makes this Million Dollar Lasagna celiac-friendly; be sure not to overcook them before assembling.
• Low-Fat Ricotta & Mozzarella — Using part-skim cheeses significantly cuts fat and calories while keeping the essential creamy, melty layers intact.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternatives — Opt for high-melt, neutral-flavored vegan cheeses to create a lactose-free or vegan lasagna with similar gooey appeal.
• No-Salt-Added Tomato Products — Using crushed tomatoes and paste labeled “no salt added” gives you complete control over sodium levels, allowing herbs and garlic to shine.
• Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles — This simple swap adds fiber and a slightly nutty, hearty flavor that complements the meat sauce wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic pairing, serve this Million Dollar Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and warm, crusty garlic bread.
• Turn it into a festive centerpiece for a Sunday family dinner or a casual potluck gathering where it’s sure to impress.
• Balance the rich layers with a bright, acidic side like a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
• For a complete Italian feast, start with antipasti like marinated olives and roasted peppers before the main event.
• Let individual portions rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices that hold their beautiful layers.
• Garnish each plate with fresh basil or parsley and a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish.
• This hearty Million Dollar Lasagna is also perfect for make-ahead meals, as the flavors deepen wonderfully overnight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using no-boil noodles without extra sauce. Fix: Add ½ cup extra liquid to your sauce to ensure they cook through and absorb flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the browning of the meat. Fix: Brown your ground beef or sausage in batches to develop a deep, rich flavor base for your sauce.
• Mistake: Not seasoning each layer. Fix: Lightly salt and pepper the ricotta mixture and sauce as you build to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheeses that don’t melt well. Fix: Stick with whole-milk ricotta and mozzarella for the creamy, luxurious texture this Million Dollar Lasagna is known for.
• Mistake: Assembling with cold ingredients. Fix: Let your sauce cool slightly and bring cheeses to room temperature for even cooking and better layer adhesion.
• Mistake: Cutting the lasagna immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 20-25 minutes; this allows the layers to set so you get clean, beautiful slices.
• Mistake: Overloading with too many wet vegetables. Fix: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini first to remove excess water and prevent a soggy result.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncover to brown the cheese perfectly.
• Mistake: Not tasting your sauce before assembly. Fix: Always do a final taste and adjust salt, herbs, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Let your Million Dollar Lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the entire cooled lasagna or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: For best results, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30-45 minutes for a whole pan. For single servings, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Always ensure your reheated lasagna is piping hot throughout, reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F, before serving.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna truly earns its name with its rich, decadent layers. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any special gathering. If you love this lasagna, you might also enjoy our Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe or Red Velvet Dessert Lasagna Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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Million Dollar Lasagna

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A creamy, layered lasagna made with Italian sausage, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella for an ultra-rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to assemble.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x
• Method: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 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
• 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
• 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside. Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, drain fat, then stir in spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5-10 minutes until thickened; set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and parsley; set aside. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup meat sauce on bottom, top with 6 lasagna noodles.
3. Layer half of cottage cheese mixture over noodles, then one-third of mozzarella slices. Add half of remaining meat sauce and 1/4 cup parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining noodles, cottage cheese mixture, meat sauce, and parmesan. Top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil.
4. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered 30 minutes until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use no-boil noodles if preferred, but adjust sauce quantity to ensure moisture. Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor. Freezes well; thaw before baking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 1400mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

FAQs

What makes this Million Dollar Lasagna so special?

This Million Dollar Lasagna earns its name from a rich, three-cheese blend and a hearty meat sauce. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious texture and flavor that feels truly indulgent.

Can I prepare Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the lasagna a day in advance is a great time-saver. Simply cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Million Dollar Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the perfect texture.