Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

This million dollar Italian lasagna brings together all the classic comfort in one dish with a rich meat sauce creamy layered cheeses and golden bubbling finish. It is the kind of recipe you serve when you want everyone at the table to feel welcome and spoiled on a cozy night

I remember making this for a birthday dinner once and everyone was still talking about it weeks later. The first bite always brings a rush of flavor and cheesy goodness

Ingredients

• Ground beef: for hearty texture and savory flavor look for 80 20 for richness
• Italian sausage: gives deep classic seasoning mild or hot work remove casings for crumbly texture
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth pick a firm unblemished one
• Garlic: brings aroma and a punch of flavor fresh is best
• Marinara sauce: for tang and balance choose a good jarred sauce with real tomatoes and olive oil
• Tomato sauce: brings extra moisture and complements the marinara
• Tomato paste: gives deep richness look for thick bright red paste
• Granulated sugar: balances acidity and rounds out the tomatoes
• Dried oregano and basil: bring herb flavors dried are easy to use for consistent flavor
• Fennel seeds: give gentle sweetness and a hint of Italian sausage flavor optional but recommended
• Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning use freshly cracked black pepper for best results
• Cream cheese: delivers unexpected creaminess soften fully for smooth mixing
• Ricotta cheese: brings classic creamy and slightly nutty flavor choose whole milk ricotta for best texture
• Sour cream: adds slight tang and luxurious mouthfeel use full fat for richness
• Large egg: binds the cheese layer together
• Parmesan cheese: adds saltiness and depth grate it fresh for the best flavor
• Shredded mozzarella: for signature melty stretchy cheese buy a block and shred yourself for best melt
• Fresh parsley or dried: for color and a fresh finish use flat leaf fresh parsley if possible
• Garlic powder: gives extra punch to the cheese filling
• Lasagna noodles: wide and sturdy cook them al dente so they hold up under the layers
• Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping: gives the signature bubbly finish
• Extra Parmesan and parsley: for an irresistible top crust choose good quality Parm and fresh herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meat Sauce:

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked breaking up the meat with a spoon for even browning. Add chopped onion and continue cooking over medium low heat until the onion is soft and fragrant about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute to release its aroma. Add marinara tomato sauce tomato paste granulated sugar oregano basil optional fennel seeds salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have come together

Make the Creamy Cheese Filling:

Combine softened cream cheese and whole milk ricotta in a medium bowl whisking or beating together until completely smooth no lumps should remain. Add sour cream large egg Parmesan shredded mozzarella parsley and garlic powder. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the cheese mixture is creamy and thick

Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente using the package directions for timing usually about 9 minutes. Drain the noodles then lay them flat on a clean towel or parchment to prevent sticking

Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a generous layer of the simmered meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish making sure it coats the entire base. Lay out four noodles across the sauce slightly overlapping. Top with half the cheese filling and a third of the remaining meat sauce spreading each layer evenly. Repeat the noodle cheese and sauce layers once more then finish with the final four noodles and the last of the meat sauce

Cheese Topping:

Evenly sprinkle two cups shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan across the top making sure to reach the edges for every bit to get golden and bubbly

Bake the Lasagna:

Cover tightly with foil tented to avoid touching the cheese and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is deeply golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges

Rest Before Serving:

Let the lasagna rest on the counter for 15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set and ensure perfect slices

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I am always amazed at how the cream cheese transforms the texture into something silky and rich. My youngest says the cheesy crust on top is the best part and I agree every time

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Lasagna slices reheat beautifully in the oven at 350 degrees or in the microwave for lunch. If you want to freeze portions let them cool completely wrap in foil then bag up and label freeze for up to three months

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option swap the meats for mushrooms and spinach roasted zucchini or eggplant. Gluten free noodles work well just check the package for cook time and texture. Lower fat versions of ricotta and cream cheese are fine but the texture will be softer

Serving Suggestions

Pair this lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian meal. A crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon makes a great match. For a cozy night slice smaller portions and serve with sauteed spinach or roasted asparagus

A Little History

Lasagna has roots going back to Ancient Rome but the layered baked version we know comes from Naples. Over time it has become the ultimate Italian American comfort food especially on holidays and special occasions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this lasagna so creamy?

The blend of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and egg creates a creamy, rich filling that sets this lasagna apart.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake when ready, adding a few minutes to the cook time.

→ How do I ensure clean slices?

Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking so the layers can set, making slicing easier and tidier.

→ Can I swap the meat for vegetables?

Absolutely. Substitute sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for a flavorful meatless option.

→ Is it possible to make it low-carb?

Yes, replace the noodles with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant. Salt and drain to keep the lasagna from becoming watery.

→ What toppings work best?

Extra mozzarella and Parmesan melted on top add flavor and the perfect golden finish. Fresh parsley is a great garnish.