Million Dollar Lasagna – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
If you’re looking for the best homemade lasagna recipe, you’ve just found it! This Million Dollar Lasagna is packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly baked pasta. It’s hearty, flavorful, and truly worth a million bucks when it comes to taste and satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, special occasion, or a potluck, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress!
Unlike traditional lasagna, this Million Dollar Lasagna includes a rich, creamy layer of cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese, giving it a luxurious, velvety texture. Plus, it’s loaded with a savory meat sauce made with ground beef and chicken sausage (a great substitute for Italian sausage) for a deep, delicious flavor.
Let’s get started on this crowd-pleasing, irresistible lasagna recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna
✅ Rich & Flavorful – A perfect blend of meats, cheeses, and sauce makes this lasagna truly indulgent.
✅ Creamy & Cheesy – The special cheese layer sets this lasagna apart from the rest.
✅ Great for Make-Ahead & Freezing – Ideal for meal prep and busy weeknights.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, this dish is always a hit!
✅ Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna
To make this delicious, creamy, and meaty lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 lb ground beef – Adds a hearty, rich flavor.
• 1 lb ground chicken sausage – A great substitute for traditional Italian sausage.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Enhances the depth of flavor.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds a fragrant, savory touch.
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds texture and natural sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – For classic Italian flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings out the richness of the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little kick.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat.
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
• 1 cup cottage cheese – Adds a light, creamy texture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – Gives the lasagna its signature richness.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – The secret ingredient for extra creaminess.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the cheese mixture together.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
For the Pasta Layers & Topping:
• 12 lasagna noodles – Cooked according to package instructions.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that irresistible melty top.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a final cheesy touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Million Dollar Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
1. Cook the meat – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground chicken sausage until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the aromatics – Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add sauce ingredients – Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Simmer – Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan.
2. Mix until smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy, signature layer that makes this lasagna special.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
2. Drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Layering is key! Follow this order for the best results:
1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread â…“ of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
4. Add another layer of meat sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
5. Repeat the process two more times until all the ingredients are used.
6. Finish with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cover the lasagna with foil (lightly tented so it doesn’t stick to the cheese).
3. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
4. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Million Dollar Lasagna with these delicious sides:
🥗 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh and crisp contrast to the rich lasagna.
🥗 Roasted Vegetables – A healthy, flavorful side option.
🥗 Red Wine – A bold Italian red like Chianti pairs beautifully!
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Lasagna
✔ Use High-Quality Ingredients – The better the ingredients, the richer the flavor!
✔ Simmer the Meat Sauce – Letting it simmer for at least 20 minutes deepens the taste.
✔ Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese – This is what makes this lasagna extra rich and creamy.
✔ Let It Rest Before Slicing – This prevents it from falling apart when serving.
✔ Make It Ahead – Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
How to Store Leftover Lasagna
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
How to Freeze Lasagna
• Unbaked Lasagna: Assemble and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Baked Lasagna: Cool completely, slice, and wrap individual portions. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Italian Sausage Instead of Chicken Sausage?
Yes! Italian sausage adds extra flavor. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
2. Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles work well and save time. Just make sure to add extra sauce to keep them from drying out.
3. Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavors. Try it today and impress everyone at the table!
If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!