There's nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and indulgent slice of Million Dollar Lasagna. This dish takes classic lasagna to a whole new level with its rich, creamy layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and a perfectly seasoned meat sauce.
I first made this recipe when I wanted to impress my family with a homemade dinner that felt extra special. The result? A decadent, crowd-pleasing lasagna that quickly became a family favorite. It's comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna
Get ready to enjoy one of the most irresistible lasagnas you'll ever taste. This recipe stands out for so many reasons.
First, it's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a rich, savory meat sauce makes every bite absolutely delicious.
It's also great for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you're ready, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests without the last-minute rush.
Another reason to love this dish? It's freezer-friendly. Make a big batch and freeze portions for an easy, homemade meal whenever you need it.
Finally, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a potluck, everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its simple yet luxurious ingredients. Every layer brings something special to the dish.
Ground beef and Italian sausage create a hearty, flavorful meat sauce. The sausage adds a slight spice and depth of flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
Ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream combine to form an ultra-creamy layer that elevates this lasagna beyond the traditional version. This blend creates a velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory meat sauce.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide that classic, gooey, and golden topping. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Oven-ready lasagna noodles save time and effort. No need to pre-boil—just layer them in with the sauce, and they'll soften to perfection as the lasagna bakes.
A good marinara sauce ties everything together. Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or make your own for an extra homemade touch.
How To Make This Million Dollar Lasagna

Making this lasagna is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a masterpiece fresh out of the oven.
Start by preparing the meat sauce. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking them into crumbles as they cook. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
While the sauce simmers, mix the creamy filling. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and a little salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Now, it's time to assemble the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, layer the oven-ready noodles, followed by a generous spread of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and cheese.
Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve perfect slices.
Storage Options
Leftover lasagna stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.
To refrigerate, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For freezing, cut the lasagna into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover the slice with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
This lasagna is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own.
For a lighter version, swap the ground beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken. It keeps the dish hearty while reducing the fat content.
Vegetarian? Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious veggie-packed alternative.
If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Most brands work well, but be sure to check cooking instructions as some require pre-boiling.
For a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
Experiment with different cheeses. While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, a little provolone or fontina can add an extra depth of flavor.
With these variations, you can customize this lasagna to suit your taste while keeping all the indulgent, creamy goodness intact. However you make it, one thing's for sure—this Million Dollar Lasagna is always a winning dish!
PrintMillion Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate Million Dollar Lasagna, a decadent, cheesy, and meaty pasta dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this lasagna delivers restaurant-quality flavor with every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of cheese mixture and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Substitute cottage cheese with more ricotta if preferred.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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