Go Back
–+ servings
Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna: A Comforting Culinary Masterpiece

Million Dollar Lasagna combines layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles for a satisfying and versatile meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Can be replaced with ground mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Onion Substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred, but dried garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Use homemade or your favorite jarred brand.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Plain canned tomatoes can be used to reduce acidity.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese makes a lighter substitute.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Swap with mascarpone for added richness.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be an alternative.
For the Toppings
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Fresh mozzarella can be substituted but may create a wetter texture.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grana Padano is a good alternative.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Optional, can be omitted if you prefer fewer cheese varieties.
For the Noodles
  • 12 ounces Lasagna Noodles Use oven-ready noodles to skip pre-cooking.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients and cookware.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion until browned, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Sauté the minced garlic in the skillet with the meat mixture for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the marinara and tomato sauce into the skillet with the meat and garlic. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
  7. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella and cheddar.
  8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Let the lasagna cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Prepare ahead of time by refrigerating or freezing to make dinner quick and easy.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!