Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Introduction
Lasagna is one of those timeless comfort foods that bring people together. But if you want to elevate it to the next level, you need to try Million Dollar Lasagna. This recipe is packed with layers of creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness, making it rich enough to deserve its million-dollar name.
What makes this lasagna so special? It’s the combination of flavors and textures—savory ground beef, flavorful chicken sausage, creamy cheese layers, and a robust marinara sauce. The result is an indulgent dish perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or meal prep for the week.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through each step to making the best Million Dollar Lasagna with easy-to-follow instructions, cooking tips, and delicious variations.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground chicken sausage (as a replacement for Italian sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
Other Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and chicken sausage, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Stir until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the meat sauce at the bottom.
Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this layering process two more times:
Meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese.
For the final layer, place the last 3 noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce, and top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Lasagna
Use quality ingredients: A good marinara sauce and fresh cheeses make a big difference.
Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles hold up better in the baking process.
Let it rest before slicing: This prevents a messy, runny lasagna.
Mix up the meat: Swap ground chicken sausage with Italian sausage or turkey for different flavors.
Make it ahead: Prepare the lasagna the day before and refrigerate until baking time.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Million Dollar Lasagna
Substitute ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Use a meatless marinara sauce.
2. Gluten-Free Million Dollar Lasagna
Replace regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets.
3. Spicy Million Dollar Lasagna
Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken sausage.
4. Keto Million Dollar Lasagna
Swap lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
Reduce the diced tomatoes to lower carb content.
Why Is It Called Million Dollar Lasagna?
The name “Million Dollar Lasagna” comes from the rich, indulgent layers that make it feel like a luxurious treat. With its creamy cheese blend, hearty meat sauce, and layers of pasta, every bite is packed with flavor—making it worthy of a special occasion.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Lasagna is truly a showstopper. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and comfort.
Try it out, experiment with variations, and most importantly—enjoy every bite! 😋🍽️
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! 👇 #MillionDollarLasagna #LasagnaLovers #ComfortFood #HomemadeLasagna