Rich and Indulgent Lasagna

This rich, indulgent Million Dollar Lasagna earned its name with layers of creamy cheese, savory homemade meat sauce, and tender pasta. The combination creates a depth of flavor that elevates this classic comfort food to restaurant quality right in your home kitchen.

I first created this lasagna recipe when hosting my first holiday dinner as a newlywed. My mother in law requested the recipe before leaving the table that night and it has become our family's celebration dish ever since.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds hearty texture and savory flavor to the sauce
• Italian sausage: Brings essential herbs and depth that make this sauce spectacular
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy base for the cheese layer while adding subtle sweetness
• Cream cheese: Delivers unmatched creaminess that distinguishes this from ordinary lasagna
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess that balances the richness of the other cheeses
• Marinara sauce: Provides convenience without sacrificing flavor; look for brands with minimal ingredients for best results
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates those irresistible stretchy cheese pulls everyone loves
• Lasagna noodles: Hold everything together; choose traditional or no boil depending on your preference and time constraints

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat for about 8 minutes until no pink remains. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks for the best texture. Add diced onions and cook for 3 more minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes including their juice. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors have melded together.

Create the Cheese Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese or cottage cheese with softened cream cheese. The cream cheese must be properly softened for a smooth mixture with no lumps. Add sour cream and mix until well combined. Beat in the egg, which helps bind everything together during baking. Fold in Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This creamy combination is what makes this lasagna truly special.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping, to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread one third of the cheese mixture over the noodles using an offset spatula for even distribution. Top with one third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat these layers twice more, ending with meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the final layer of meat sauce.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, being careful not to let it touch the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes until the layers begin to heat through. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and developing golden spots. Keep an eye on it during the final minutes to achieve your desired level of golden browning without burning.

Allow to Rest:

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes on a cooling rack. This critical step allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve clean portions. It also allows the flavors to further develop and prevents burning your mouth on too hot cheese.

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The cream cheese in this recipe is what truly transforms ordinary lasagna into Million Dollar Lasagna. I discovered this secret addition when helping at my aunt's Italian restaurant as a teenager. She would whisper to never tell anyone as customers raved about her special lasagna. Years later, when I started my own family, I honored her by continuing this tradition but now I'm sharing it with you.

Make Ahead and Storage

This lasagna can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 10 to 15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked lasagna tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Leftover baked lasagna will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Customization Options

The beauty of this Million Dollar Lasagna lies in its adaptability. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with 2 pounds of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. If you prefer a more traditional ricotta filling, omit the cream cheese and sour cream and increase the ricotta to 3 cups. For extra flavor boost, stir 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil into the cheese mixture or sauce. You can also add a layer of fresh spinach between the cheese and sauce layers for added nutrition. For gluten free diners, substitute regular noodles with gluten free lasagna noodles; no changes to cooking times needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent lasagna with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, add antipasto platters as starters with roasted vegetables on the side. A medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano pairs beautifully with the complex flavors. For dessert, keep it light with fresh berries and whipped cream or traditional cannoli.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can substitute cooked noodles with no-boil ones. Ensure there is enough sauce to soften the layers as they bake.

→ What can I use instead of Italian sausage?

You can replace Italian sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or more ground beef for a lighter or different flavor profile.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Replace the meat sauce with a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap portions tightly and freeze. Reheat straight from the freezer or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.