Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent and feeds a crowd, this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is exactly what you need.
With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
The creamy blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream gives it a luxurious texture, while the mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a gooey, golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic.
Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes to develop flavor.
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and one cup of mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the lasagna by spreading a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom.
Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the creamy cheese mixture, more meat sauce, and a sprinkling of cheddar and mozzarella.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for ten minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
Start by preparing all your layers: cook the noodles, brown the meats, and mix the creamy cheese filling.
Once everything is ready, it’s all about assembling. The key is to layer everything evenly—sauce, noodles, cheese—building flavor and texture with each addition.
The final layer of cheese on top creates that iconic bubbly, golden finish that makes this lasagna truly feel like a million bucks.
Variations
You can swap out the beef and sausage for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version. Add spinach or roasted vegetables between layers for extra nutrients and color.
If you prefer a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Try using a different cheese blend, like provolone or fontina, to switch up the flavor.
Tips
Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time, or make it a day ahead and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors deepen.
For cleaner slices, let the lasagna rest before cutting. Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps keep the top from burning while everything heats through, and uncovering later allows the cheese to brown beautifully. Always taste your meat sauce before layering and adjust seasoning if needed.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Italian Lasagna lives up to its name with its rich layers, creamy filling, and perfectly melted cheeses.
It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves no leftovers behind. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a hungry family, this lasagna is a guaranteed hit that feels comforting, luxurious, and unforgettable.
