This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is rich, creamy, and layered with flavorful ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and a velvety cream cheese mixture. Baked to perfection with golden cheese on top, this lasagna truly tastes like a million bucks perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion.

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Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

When it comes to comforting Italian dinners, few dishes can compete with the magic of homemade lasagna — and this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna takes it to the next level. With layers of tender noodles, a luscious meat sauce, a creamy cheese filling, and bubbling mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

This version earns its “million dollar” title because it’s richer, creamier, and more flavorful than traditional lasagna — thanks to the secret addition of cream cheese and ricotta in the filling. The result? A luxurious texture that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by the bold flavors of Italian herbs, meat, and tangy tomato sauce.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking for a special gathering, this lasagna is a guaranteed hit that tastes even better the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy layers with a velvety cheese filling.

• Full of Italian flavor from herbs, garlic, and sausage.

• Feeds a crowd — perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners.

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for busy days.

• Bakes beautifully with that irresistible golden cheese crust.

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the “Million Dollar” Cheese Mixture:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For Assembly:

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering and topping)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Resting Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

• Servings: 8–10

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

If using regular lasagna noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add noodles and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes).

3. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

(Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef, sausage, and diced onion. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Drain excess fat.

5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.

6. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and egg.

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Add 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and parsley.

4. Stir until well combined — this is your “million dollar” layer that makes the lasagna rich and irresistible.

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Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Now for the fun part — layering!

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.

2. Layer 3–4 noodles over the sauce.

3. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.

4. Add a layer of meat sauce and sprinkle some mozzarella.

5. Repeat layers: noodles → cheese mixture → sauce → mozzarella.

6. Top the final layer with noodles, the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

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Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent cheese from burning).

2. Bake for 30 minutes covered.

3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

4. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing — this helps the layers set and makes for perfect slices.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Million Dollar Italian Lasagna hot with:

• Garlic bread or buttered baguette slices

• Caesar salad or Caprese salad

• A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley

• A side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli

• A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for the full Italian experience

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:

Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

• Microwave: Heat slices for 2–3 minutes, covered.

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

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Tips for Perfect Lasagna

• Let it rest before serving: This prevents the layers from sliding apart.

• Use quality cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoother than pre-packaged.

• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini blend beautifully into the layers.

• Customize the meat: Substitute sausage with turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.

• Double the recipe: This freezes beautifully for future dinners or meal prep.

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Variations

• Three-Cheese Lasagna: Use ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for extra cheesiness.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat sauce with sautéed vegetables and marinara.

• Spicy Lasagna: Add hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes for a kick.

• White Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce for a creamy twist.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Values are estimates and vary depending on ingredients and brands used.

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Closing thoughts

This Million Dollar Italian Lasagna truly lives up to its name — every bite is rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. The creamy cheese layer melts perfectly into the hearty meat sauce, creating a comforting and indulgent dish that feels like it came straight from an Italian restaurant.

Whether you’re hosting family dinner, celebrating the holidays, or simply craving comfort food, this lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. One bite, and everyone will agree — it’s worth every “million” in flavor.

So grab your apron, layer up the goodness, and get ready to bake your way into lasagna perfection.