🧀 Secret Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
A Simple & Savory Dish That Tastes Like a Million Bucks
This isn’t just lasagna — it’s comfort food royalty. The famous Million Dollar Lasagna has earned its name not from expensive ingredients, but from its ultra-rich, creamy, and decadent taste that feels like something you’d order at a five-star restaurant.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, this recipe delivers layers of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
🥄 Why It’s Called “Million Dollar” Lasagna
The name comes down to two luxurious secrets:
The Meat – A blend of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a deep, savory flavor base.
The Cheese Filling – This is the game-changer: a creamy mix of ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan, making each bite unbelievably smooth and flavorful.
📋 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 large onion, finely diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 can (15 oz / 425g) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp sugar (to balance the acidity)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Legendary Cheese Mixture:
16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tbsp dried parsley
2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
For Assembly:
12 no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles
2–3 cups (225–340g) shredded mozzarella, for topping
Cooking spray or butter to grease your baking dish
👩🍳 Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium-high heat until browned and the onion is soft.
Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in the marinara, crushed tomatoes, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
Mix until smooth and creamy using a whisk or hand mixer.
Fold in 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer as follows:
4 no-boil noodles
⅓ of the cheese mixture
⅓ of the meat sauce
A sprinkle of mozzarella
Repeat layers two more times (noodles, cheese, sauce, mozzarella).
Top final layer of noodles with remaining meat sauce and the rest of the mozzarella.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing — this step is crucial for clean layers.
💡 Pro Tips & Tricks
💡 Pro Tips & Tricks
Use oven-ready noodles: It saves time and ensures tender pasta.
Don’t skip resting time: Letting it sit post-bake is the secret to those picture-perfect layers.
Make ahead: Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
Taste your sauce: Adjust seasoning before layering.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
Pair this luxurious lasagna with:
🥗 A crisp Caesar salad
🥖 Garlic bread or focaccia
🍷 A glass of Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon
🏆 Final Thoughts: A Dish Worth Every Bite
This Million Dollar Lasagna is rich, hearty, and comforting — everything a great lasagna should be. It’s a go-to recipe for holidays, dinner parties, and special Sunday dinners. Once you try it, you may never go back to basic lasagna again!
