Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Million Dollar Lasagna takes everything you love about a classic lasagna and makes it even better. With layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, a smooth ricotta cheese mixture, and a generous amount of mozzarella, this lasagna is as comforting as it is flavorful. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream gives the lasagna a creamy, luxurious texture that melts in your mouth, making it the perfect dish for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture and another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef and sausage with a combination of mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Chicken: Substitute ground chicken for the beef and sausage to create a lighter, leaner lasagna.
- Cheese: Feel free to swap out the mozzarella or Parmesan for your favorite cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Simply assemble the lasagna, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day as directed.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake it straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, or until fully heated through.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of traditional cooked noodles. Just ensure that there’s enough sauce to fully cover the noodles as they cook in the oven.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a mixture of both for a different texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
To make this lasagna gluten-free, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this lasagna spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild sausage to give the lasagna an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef and sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or pork, depending on your preference.
Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna without an egg?
Yes, you can omit the egg or use an egg substitute like a flaxseed mixture or a store-bought egg replacer.
How long can leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftover lasagna will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Yes! Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the layers for added flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich, creamy layers, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite. With a few simple variations, you can customize it to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to save some leftovers—they taste even better the next day!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8servings
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a luxurious, cheesy, and rich take on traditional lasagna, featuring layers of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a decadent ricotta cheese mixture. Infused with creamy cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings. It’s sure to impress your guests with its elevated flavors and indulgent texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of the ricotta mixture followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of ground beef and sausage.
- Chicken Version: Ground chicken can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Cheese Substitutions: Try provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Make-Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and baked the following day.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer.
- Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 50min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
