Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor. This version takes the classic lasagna to a whole new level by combining creamy layers of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream with seasoned meat sauce and gooey mozzarella. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent and satisfying, living up to its “million dollar” name with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra rich and creamy thanks to a luscious cheese layer
• Hearty and filling—perfect for feeding a crowd
• Great for make-ahead meals and leftovers
• Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
• A total showstopper at potlucks or family dinners
• Balanced layers of meat, pasta, sauce, and cheese

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• lasagna noodles
• ground beef
• Italian sausage (optional for extra flavor)
• onion, diced
• garlic, minced
• marinara or spaghetti sauce
• ricotta cheese
• cream cheese, softened
• sour cream
• egg
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper
• fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) with diced onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
6. To assemble: spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Add a layer of cooked noodles, then spread half of the cheese mixture, followed by more sauce and mozzarella.
8. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining cheese mixture, sauce, and mozzarella.
9. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter texture
• Add spinach to the cheese layer for extra greens
• Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken
• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles for convenience
• Add a layer of sliced provolone for more cheesy goodness

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, either whole or in portions
• Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices until warm

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Do I have to use both ricotta and cream cheese?

You can use just one, but the combination gives it that signature creamy richness.

What’s the best sauce to use?

A thick, flavorful marinara or meat sauce works best to hold the layers together.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and use a hearty vegetable sauce instead.

How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?

Be sure to drain your meat well and avoid overly saucy fillings. Let it rest before slicing.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, but add a little extra sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly.

Is the sour cream necessary?

It adds extra creaminess, but you can leave it out or replace it with more ricotta if preferred.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you can also add provolone or fontina.

How long should it rest after baking?

Let it rest at least 10–15 minutes so the layers can set and slice cleanly.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name with rich, creamy layers that elevate this beloved dish into something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing guests, or stocking the freezer, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold flavor and comforting satisfaction every single time.

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