Introduction

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a family legend. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with rich tomato aroma, bubbly creamy cheese, and warm Italian spices that make everyone ask, “Is dinner ready yet?” This lasagna earns its “million dollar” name from its luxurious layers: savory seasoned meat sauce, velvety cottage or ricotta cheese mixture, silky cream cheese, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and tender pasta sheets soaked in flavor.

It’s iconic, indulgent, and deeply comforting—perfect for Sunday family dinners, holidays, special gatherings, potlucks, or days when you just want something homemade and completely satisfying. This dish is layered with love, richness, and classic Italian flavors, giving you the full experience of a restaurant-quality lasagna made right at home.

What makes this version especially amazing is the creamy middle layer that blends cottage cheese (or ricotta), cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. It melts into the meat sauce and noodles, making every bite velvety and incredibly decadent. The top becomes beautifully golden and bubbly, while the inside stays soft, creamy, and fragrant with garlic, basil, oregano, and simmered tomatoes.

If you’re looking for a lasagna that feels special, tastes unforgettable, and earns rave reviews every time, this is the one. Let’s create it from scratch—layer by delicious layer.

📝 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional for richer flavor)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Million Dollar Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups cottage cheese or ricotta
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Other Ingredients:

• 12–15 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella (for layering and topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Lower heat and let simmer gently for at least 15–20 minutes, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Make the Million Dollar Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage/ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is what gives your lasagna its “million dollar” richness.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If not using oven-ready noodles, boil lasagna sheets in salted water until just al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay noodles flat to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a large baking dish, add a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add your first layer of noodles. Spread a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture. Add another layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat until ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil (nonstick side down). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing—this helps it set beautifully.

🌟 Variation

• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Extra Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Three-Cheese Upgrade: Add provolone and asiago layers for richer depth.
• White Lasagna: Replace red sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy version.

🍳 Cooking Note

Allowing the lasagna to rest before cutting is crucial. It prevents the layers from sliding apart and ensures perfect, picture-worthy slices. Also, slow-simmering the sauce enhances the overall flavor dramatically.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
• Add a fresh Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad.
• Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds fragrance and color.

💡 Tips

• Make this a day ahead for even better flavor—lasagna gets richer overnight.
• Freeze before or after baking; reheats beautifully.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
• Don’t skip the cream cheese—it gives the signature creamy texture.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for deeper flavor.

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes

⏱️ Cooking Time: 50 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🔥 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 610
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 1,290mg

❓ FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, oven-ready noodles work perfectly. Just add extra sauce to keep them moist.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Absolutely—it works well and adds creaminess when mixed with cream cheese.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Italian Lasagna?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake until hot.

Why is it called “Million Dollar” lasagna?

Because the creamy cheese layer makes it taste incredibly rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly.

❤️ Conclusion

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, meaty, and layered with bold Italian flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a cozy family meal, or guests you want to impress, this recipe delivers every single time. The combination of silky cheese layers, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly baked noodles guarantees pure satisfaction in every bite. Once you make it, it will become a permanent favorite in your recipe rotation!

Print