If there’s one dish that never fails to steal the show at my dinner table, it’s Million Dollar Lasagna. The first time I made it, I marveled at the creamy layers of cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender noodles combining into an indulgent masterpiece. The rich aroma that filled my kitchen was just the first sign of the mouthwatering flavors that awaited.
This recipe is not just your average lasagna; it truly tastes like a million bucks! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just treating yourself on a regular weeknight, this dish guarantees everyone will leave the table happy and full. Trust me, after making it once, you’ll understand why this lasagna is a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
A great recipe should check all the boxes for taste, ease, and versatility, and this Million Dollar Lasagna delivers. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
1. Simple Yet Luxurious
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses everyday ingredients like spaghetti sauce, cream cheese, and lasagna noodles but transforms them into a dish that feels gourmet. 😍 Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
2. Packed with Layers of Flavor
Each forkful is an adventure. From the creamy cheese mixture to the savory meat sauce and stretchy mozzarella, you get a perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.
3. Customizable for Every Palate
Got a picky eater in the house? No problem! You can easily make tweaks, like swapping Italian sausage for turkey or adding fresh spinach to the cheese mix. This lasagna is as flexible as it is delicious.
4. Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
Life gets busy, and that’s where Million Dollar Lasagna shines. You can prep it hours or even days in advance, refrigerate it, and simply pop it into the oven when ready.
5. Easily Feeds a Crowd
Hosting a dinner party? This recipe makes enough to serve 8-10 people. Add some garlic bread and a salad, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
Cooking Time
Preparing this lasagna is quicker than you’d think. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
To make Million Dollar Lasagna, gather these ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 ¼ lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Variations
Want to put your own twist on this classic? Here are some ideas:
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan cream cheese and mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, diced mushrooms, or shredded zucchini to the layers for a healthy boost.
- Meat-Free Version: Skip the meat and use a plant-based crumbles or extra tomato sauce.
- Enhance the Flavor: Sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle pesto between the layers for added zest.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make the process seamless, have these tools on hand:
- Large Skillet – To cook the meat sauce evenly.
- Mixing Bowls – For blending the cheese filling.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Perfect for assembling and baking the lasagna.
- Pot for Boiling Noodles – To cook the lasagna noodles to perfection.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna?
Making this lasagna is easier than you think! Follow these steps for the ultimate cheesy, meaty delight:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles 🍝
Start by boiling your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce 🍅
Brown your Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to avoid a watery lasagna.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture 🧀
While the sauce is simmering, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and parsley in a bowl. Stir until well-blended and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers 🏗️
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. Place 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Add ½ of the cheese mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella slices, ½ of the remaining meat sauce, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final topping of mozzarella slices.
Step 5: Bake Till Perfection 🔥
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375ºF for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your lasagna is absolute perfection:
- Prevent Stickiness: After boiling the noodles, lay them out flat on parchment paper to avoid clumping while you prep other ingredients.
- Mind the Cheese’s Texture: For extra smoothness, whip your cream cheese before mixing it with the other dairy ingredients.
- Go Light on the Layers: Avoid overloading each layer, as it can make slicing and serving messy. A moderate amount of filling per layer works best.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna?
Great flavor deserves great presentation. Here’s how to serve it like a pro:
- Pair it with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for a delicious contrast to the cheesy lasagna.
- Add a fresh garden salad on the side, dressed with a zesty Italian vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
This hearty dish is packed with nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
The beauty of this lasagna lies in its flexibility. Whether you want to prep it ahead or save leftovers, here’s how to do it:
Make Ahead
You can fully assemble the lasagna up to a day before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, you may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Store Leftovers
Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice it into portions, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. Reheat frozen slices directly in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through.
Million Dollar Lasagna is a recipe that brings comfort, joy, and flavor to every table. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, indulgent bite!
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to steal the show at my dinner table, it’s Million Dollar Lasagna. The first time I made it, I marveled at the creamy layers of cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender noodles combining into an indulgent masterpiece. The rich aroma that filled my kitchen was just the first sign of the mouthwatering flavors that awaited.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 ¼ lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by boiling your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Brown your Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to avoid a watery lasagna.
- While the sauce is simmering, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and parsley in a bowl. Stir until well-blended and creamy.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. Place 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Add ½ of the cheese mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella slices, ½ of the remaining meat sauce, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final topping of mozzarella slices.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375ºF for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Prevent Stickiness: After boiling the noodles, lay them out flat on parchment paper to avoid clumping while you prep other ingredients.
- Mind the Cheese’s Texture: For extra smoothness, whip your cream cheese before mixing it with the other dairy ingredients.
- Go Light on the Layers: Avoid overloading each layer, as it can make slicing and serving messy. A moderate amount of filling per layer works best.
