Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: our Million Dollar Lasagna! This isn’t just any lasagna; it features a wonderfully rich, creamy cheese blend that truly makes it stand out. It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can make this delicious dish ahead of time or freeze it for effortless future meals, making it perfect for busy schedules.
The history of lasagna is a fascinating one, with its origins debated between Italy and other regions, though it truly made its grand entrance in Naples during the Middle Ages.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna
Our Million Dollar Lasagna quickly becomes a family favorite for many great reasons:
- Creamy, Cheesy Layers: Experience an irresistible blend of cheeses in every forkful.
- Hearty, Flavorful Meat Sauce: Enjoy a rich, savory sauce that builds incredible depth.
- Perfect for Any Special Occasion: It’s impressive enough for holidays, yet comforting for family dinners.
- Surprisingly Simple to Assemble: Even beginners will find this recipe straightforward to make.
- Excellent Make-Ahead Casserole: Prepare it in advance to save time on busy days.
- Freezes Well for Future Meals: Enjoy homemade deliciousness anytime with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own amazing Million Dollar Lasagna. The secret to its creamy texture lies in that softened cream cheese!
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 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 slices
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with a few ingredients for this creamy lasagna. For the meat, choose mild or hot Italian sausage for extra flavor, or opt for lean ground beef if you prefer. You can also customize the sauce by using your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce and adding a touch of sugar if you like a sweeter tomato base.
If you prefer, ricotta cheese makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in the creamy layer. Feel free to use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of slices, and fresh parsley can replace dried parsley for a brighter, herbaceous note.
While both ricotta and cottage cheese offer nutritional benefits, it’s worth noting the differences in calcium and protein content between ricotta and cottage cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need much specialized gear to make this fantastic Million Dollar Lasagna. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Optional: meat masher or potato masher for browning meat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear, easy steps to assemble your incredible Million Dollar Lasagna. This recipe simplifies the layering process, ensuring a perfect result every time.
- Prep Oven and Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Cook the lasagna noodles according to their package directions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set them aside, making sure they don’t stick together.
- Cook and Simmer Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef. Break up the meat as it cooks, then drain off any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the sauce aside.
- Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the signature creamy layer for your Million Dollar Lasagna.
- Layer Lasagna Ingredients Evenly: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the pan. Next, arrange 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire base.
- Continue Layering: Spread half of the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Top this with one-third of your mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce evenly over the mozzarella. Finish this layer by sprinkling 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
- Repeat and Top: Repeat the layering process once more. Start with the remaining 6 lasagna noodles, then the rest of the cottage cheese mixture, another third of the mozzarella cheese, and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the last 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Finally, top the entire Million Dollar Lasagna with the remaining mozzarella cheese slices.
- Bake and Rest: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the lasagna in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It’s crucial to let the lasagna stand for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making for cleaner slices and preventing a messy dish. Enjoy your homemade Million Dollar Lasagna!
Pro Tips for Success & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect Million Dollar Lasagna is simple with a few smart techniques. Ensure your meat sauce thickens adequately; simmering it slightly reduces excess moisture that could make your lasagna watery. To prevent a watery lasagna, don’t overcook the noodles, and let the meat sauce cool slightly before layering.
For a super smooth cheese mixture, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened. Cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
For perfectly melted, golden cheese on top, bake uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, or until desired browning is achieved. Let your Million Dollar Lasagna rest at least 15 minutes after baking for easy, clean slicing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile Million Dollar Lasagna is perfect for any meal and stores beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Complement this rich lasagna with simple, fresh sides. Crusty garlic bread is a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish. Other great side dishes include roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.
Make Ahead & Freezing
This Million Dollar Lasagna is excellent for meal prep! To make ahead, assemble the lasagna completely but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
For freezing, you can freeze it either baked or unbaked. Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat baked lasagna covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or bake unbaked lasagna as directed after thawing.
Variations
Feel free to customize your Million Dollar Lasagna. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage for a lighter option. Incorporate fresh vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust the spice levels in your meat sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or extra Italian seasoning for more herbs.
Experiment with different cheese types, like provolone or fontina, for unique flavor profiles.
Million Dollar Lasagna Nutrition
This estimated nutrition information for one serving of Million Dollar Lasagna is based on the ingredients listed. Please note that actual values can vary depending on specific brands and ingredient choices.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580-620 kcal |
| Protein | 40-45g |
| Total Fat | 35-40g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
| Sodium | 1200-1400mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe. Follow the package directions for any adjustments, as they often absorb more liquid.
What is the best type of meat to use?
For the most flavor in your Million Dollar Lasagna, Italian sausage (mild or hot) is highly recommended. Ground beef is a great alternative if you prefer a milder taste.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Lasagna is truly an ultimate comfort food experience. Its exceptional flavor, thanks to that creamy cheese blend and hearty meat sauce, makes it a standout dish for any occasion. We’ve shown you how simple it is to prepare, emphasizing its versatility for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Give this easy recipe a try tonight; you won’t be disappointed! Share your creation with us, rate the recipe, or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
The Best Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1-1/4 lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce 24-oz
- 2 can tomato sauce 8-oz
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 1 container cottage cheese 24-oz
- 1 block cream cheese, softened 8-oz
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Topping
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles as directed on the package, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, then stir in spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley.
Assembly
- Spray a 9×13-inch pan, then spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping to cover.
- Layer half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers: add the remaining 6 lasagna noodles, then the rest of the cottage cheese mixture, a third of the mozzarella, the remaining meat sauce, and another 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Top with the final third of mozzarella cheese and cover with foil.
Baking
- Bake the covered lasagna for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes uncovered until bubbly. Let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.