Let me tell you about the lasagna that changed everything in my kitchen. Last month, while hosting my sister’s birthday dinner, I needed a dish that would satisfy twelve hungry people without causing me too much stress. After hearing rave reviews from my neighbor about this “Million Dollar Lasagna,” I decided to give it a shot. What I discovered was nothing short of a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that everyone couldn’t stop talking about. This isn’t just any lasagna – it’s a luxurious dish that turns an ordinary meal into a special occasion.

The Best Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Million Dollar Lasagna because it elevates the traditional lasagna into something rich and decadent. The creamy, cheesy filling, made from a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, adds a smooth, luscious texture that’s a total game-changer. The three types of cheese – mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan – work together to give the lasagna a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What’s also amazing about this recipe is how forgiving it is. It’s super easy to make ahead, and the flavors only get better as they sit. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or prepping for busy weeknights, this recipe can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated without losing any of its deliciousness. Plus, the dish is easily customizable – switch up the proteins to suit different tastes, or add extra veggies for a personal twist.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works perfectly)
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced fine
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese (don’t skip this – it adds amazing texture)
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Assembly:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

(Hopefully, you’ve noticed the ingredients by now – here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Build the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Stir frequently for about 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Leave a tablespoon of fat for flavor. Add the diced onion and cook for another 5 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth. For an extra smooth texture, use a hand mixer. Stir in the chopped chives and parsley.
Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add 4 lasagna noodles, then spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over them. Top with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of 4 noodles, then the remaining cream cheese mixture, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce and another 1/3 of the cheese. Top with the last 4 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and finish with all the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Dot with small pieces of butter.
Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This step ensures it holds together beautifully when cut.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings, depending on portion size. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, including both baking times.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef and sausage for vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a delicious meatless lasagna.
Add Extra Veggies: You can add in layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.

Storage/Reheating

The Million Dollar Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before covering and storing in an airtight container. To reheat, simply cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You can also freeze the lasagna before baking. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

I love making this lasagna ahead of time. Simply assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and bake it from frozen.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! While mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan give it that signature taste, you can definitely mix it up with different cheeses like provolone, Gouda, or even some ricotta.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

I’ve used regular lasagna noodles for this recipe, but no-boil noodles work just as well. Just be sure to add extra sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, this lasagna is freezer-friendly. Once it’s assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

If you want to make this lasagna a bit lighter, try using reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. You could also swap out the ground beef for lean turkey or chicken.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a lasagna that’s indulgent, rich, and totally satisfying, this Million Dollar Lasagna is your new go-to recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – the perfect dish to impress a crowd. Whether you’re feeding a group or making it for yourself, you’ll love the convenience and versatility of this delicious recipe. I’m confident that once you try it, this lasagna will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.