Name: Million Dollar Italian Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready)

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This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. It’s the kind of hearty, indulgent dish I turn to when I want something filling, warm, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna but with a rich, creamy twist that truly makes it feel like a million bucks. It combines savory ground beef and sausage, zesty tomato sauce, creamy layers of ricotta and cream cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. Every bite is layered with flavor, texture, and that irresistible Italian comfort food magic. Plus, I can make it ahead and pop it in the oven when I need it.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Italian sausage
Onion
Garlic
Marinara or pasta sauce
Tomato paste
Sugar
Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Egg
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready)

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef and sausage together in a large skillet. I add in chopped onions and garlic, letting everything cook until fragrant and golden.
Then I stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, a little sugar, and seasonings. I let this simmer so the flavors really deepen.
For the creamy layer, I mix ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, an egg, and some Italian seasoning until smooth.
In a greased baking dish, I layer meat sauce, noodles, the creamy cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. I repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella on top.
I bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes covered with foil, then uncover it for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
I always let it rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it so everything sets perfectly.

Servings and timing

This lasagna serves 10 to 12 people and takes about 25 minutes to prep and 1 hour to bake, plus resting time. It's ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I sometimes swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. I’ve also made it with spinach added to the cheese layer for extra greens. For a spicy twist, I use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper. And when I need a gluten-free version, I opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles—just as satisfying.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover lasagna keeps beautifully. I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. It also freezes well—perfect for make-ahead meals. I wrap slices tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container and reheat from frozen or thaw overnight before warming.

FAQs

What makes this lasagna "million dollar"?

It’s the creamy cheese layer that takes it over the top—mixing ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream gives it a velvety richness that feels truly luxurious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. I just let it come to room temperature before baking or add a bit of extra time if baking straight from the fridge.

Do I have to cook the lasagna noodles first?

If I’m using oven-ready noodles, I skip boiling. But for regular noodles, I cook them until al dente before layering.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Absolutely. I freeze it either before baking or after. If freezing before baking, I thaw it overnight before cooking. If already baked, I reheat it straight from frozen or thaw first.

What side dishes go well with this lasagna?

I like to serve it with garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. Something light and crisp balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is one of those crowd-pleasing recipes I turn to again and again. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with comforting flavor in every layer. Whether I’m making it for Sunday dinner, a holiday, or a potluck, it always brings people together and never disappoints.

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes resting)
Yield: 10-12 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

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Description

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a rich, indulgent dish featuring layers of seasoned meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and a pinch of Italian seasoning until smooth.
Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread the cheese mixture, followed by mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.