Craving a rich, comforting pasta dish that truly satisfies? Look no further than this Million Dollar Lasagna! This incredible recipe takes classic lasagna to a whole new level with its signature creamy, cheesy layers that melt in your mouth. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble and is guaranteed to be a massive crowd-pleaser for any family dinner or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna

This easy lasagna recipe is a true game-changer for your dinner rotation. Its unique blend of cheeses creates an unparalleled creaminess you won’t find in traditional versions. Busy parents and beginners will especially appreciate how simple it is to prepare, saving precious time.

This is seriously one of the best lasagna recipes you’ll ever try, packed with incredible flavor.
It’s surprisingly easy to assemble and bake, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
The unique, ultra-creamy cheese blend sets this dish apart from standard lasagna.
It’s perfect for family dinners or large gatherings, always receiving rave reviews.
This amazing casserole is excellent for making ahead and freezes beautifully for later meals.
You can easily customize it to your taste, adding your favorite meats or vegetables.

Ingredients

Get ready to create the best Million Dollar Lasagna with these simple ingredients. The combination of savory meat sauce and an unbelievably creamy cheese filling truly makes this dish special.

12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)

1-1/4 lbs Italian sausage or ground beef

1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce

2 (8-oz) can tomato sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese

1 (8-oz) block of cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

1 egg, beaten

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For noodles, you can use either traditional lasagna noodles, boiled until al dente, or convenient no-boil lasagna noodles. If using no-boil, ensure your meat sauce has enough liquid. You can easily swap Italian sausage or ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even venison. Experiment with different types of jarred spaghetti sauce, such as marinara, meat sauce, or a spicy arrabbiata, to change the flavor profile.

For the creamy layer, understanding the difference between ricotta and cottage cheese in lasagna can help you achieve the desired texture; ricotta cheese makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese; just be sure to drain any excess liquid if using ricotta.

Feel free to use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried parsley for an even brighter flavor.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes assembling this comforting cheesy lasagna a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.

Large skillet for cooking the meat sauce.
9×13 inch baking dish, perfect for a family-sized portion.
Mixing bowls for preparing the cheese filling and combining sauces.
Whisk or spatula to ensure your ingredients are well-blended.
Aluminum foil for covering the dish during baking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Million Dollar Lasagna that everyone will adore. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring a perfect result every time.

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Cook Noodles.

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente; they should still have a slight bite. Drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking, and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Sauce.

In a large skillet, brown your Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce, canned tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Remove the pan from the heat and set the delicious meat sauce aside.

Step 3: Mix Cheese Filling.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the entire container of cottage cheese, the softened block of cream cheese, and the sour cream. Add the beaten egg and dried parsley. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly with a whisk or spatula until the cheese filling is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble Lasagna (First Layer).

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread about 1 cup of the rich meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the pan. Arrange 6 cooked lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the base completely. Spoon half of the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Top this with a third of the mozzarella cheese slices or shredded mozzarella. Finally, spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle generously with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Assemble Lasagna (Second Layer).

Repeat the layering process for your second delicious layer. Start by arranging the remaining 6 lasagna noodles over the Parmesan cheese. Spread the remaining half of the creamy cheese mixture over these noodles. Layer with another third of the mozzarella cheese. Top this with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with another 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This structured layering builds the ultimate Million Dollar Lasagna.

Step 6: Final Cheese Topping.

To complete your masterpiece, cover the entire top of the lasagna with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This will create a beautiful, golden, bubbly crust once baked.

Step 7: Bake Lasagna.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the lasagna in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve.

For perfect results and clean cuts, it is crucial to let your lasagna rest after baking for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making for cleaner cuts and preventing it from being too runny. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect lasagna is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind for an effortlessly delicious dish every time.

Preventing Watery Lasagna: Ensure your meat sauce is thick, not runny. If using ricotta or cottage cheese, drain any excess liquid thoroughly before mixing.
Perfect Layers: Don’t overfill each layer; a balanced distribution helps the lasagna hold its shape. Space your noodles evenly to cover the entire surface without too much overlap.
Golden Crust: For a beautifully golden, slightly crispy top, broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Flavor Boosts: Enhance your meat sauce by sautéing minced garlic and chopped onion before browning the meat. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.
Avoiding Undercooked Noodles: Always cook regular noodles to al dente. Ensure there’s sufficient sauce in each layer; the noodles absorb moisture to become perfectly tender.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Million Dollar Lasagna is perfect for any occasion and truly shines as a make-ahead meal. It’s a comforting classic that lends itself well to many adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich and creamy lasagna with simple sides to complete your meal.

Serve it alongside warm garlic bread or crispy breadsticks for dipping in any extra sauce.
A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Steamed green beans or broccoli make excellent, healthy vegetable accompaniments.

Storage & Freezing

Planning ahead makes enjoying this ultimate comfort food even easier.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover baked lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Baked Lasagna: Cool the entire baked casserole completely. You can portion it into individual servings or freeze the whole dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months.
Freezing Unbaked Lasagna: Assemble the lasagna as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For frozen lasagna, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven, covered, until hot.

Variations

Customize your lasagna to create new and exciting flavor combinations.

Meat Options: Experiment with ground chicken, savory turkey sausage, or even a mix of ground beef and pork. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables.
Cheese Blends: Elevate the cheesy factor by adding layers of provolone, smoked gouda, or a pre-made Italian cheese blend.
Vegetable Additions: Stir finely chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, shredded zucchini, or colorful bell peppers into your meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice Level: Adjust the Italian seasoning to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a subtle, pleasant heat.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used and any substitutions made. For precise values for your homemade Million Dollar Lasagna, consider using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. A typical serving of beef lasagna can range from 400-600 calories, with 20-40g fat, 30-50g carbohydrates, and 25-40g protein.

Nutrients (per serving, estimated)	Amount
Calories	480
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	900mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	30g

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some questions about making this fantastic dish? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your Million Dollar Lasagna.

What makes this “Million Dollar” lasagna? It gets its name from the incredibly rich and creamy cheese blend used, combining cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream for an unparalleled luxurious texture.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just ensure your sauce is moist enough, as these noodles absorb more liquid during baking.
Can I substitute ricotta for cottage cheese? Yes, ricotta cheese is a common substitute for cottage cheese. Remember to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta to prevent a watery lasagna.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery? Make sure your meat sauce is thick, not runny. Also, thoroughly drain any liquid from your cottage or ricotta cheese mixture before incorporating it.
How long should lasagna rest before serving? Let your homemade lasagna rest for at least 15-20 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set properly, ensuring clean, firm slices.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Lasagna truly delivers on its promise of rich, cheesy, and comforting perfection. With its easy-to-follow steps and incredibly satisfying flavor, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a special occasion, this recipe ensures a delicious outcome every time. Give this amazing lasagna a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below! We’d love for you to rate the recipe too!