This million dollar lasagna recipe changed everything for me. The very first time I made this million dollar lasagna recipe, the kitchen was filled with the warm scent of lasagna with Italian sausage, slowly simmering spaghetti sauce, and melting cheeses layered with care. My little Luca peeked through the oven door every few minutes, eyes wide with excitement, asking, “Is it ready yet, mama?” When we finally sat down to eat, my husband took one bite, closed his eyes, and said, “Anna, this really tastes like it’s worth a million dollars.”
And that’s how our favorite easy million dollar lasagna with cottage cheese was born. Now, this million dollar lasagna recipe is our go-to comfort food for gatherings, cozy weekends, and every craving in between.
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces Lasagna Noodles cooked al dente
- 1.25 pounds Italian Sausage or Ground Beef cooked and drained
- 24 ounces Spaghetti Sauce
- 16 ounces Tomato Sauce two 8 oz cans
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 24 ounces Cottage Cheese full-fat recommended
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 0.25 cup Sour Cream
- 1 large Egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1 pound Mozzarella Cheese Slices
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
What Makes This Lasagna a True Million Dollar Dish
This isn’t just another homemade lasagna with flavor layers it’s a dish made with love, tradition, and rich ingredients that make every forkful unforgettable. The creamy layers, the bold meat sauce, the blend of cheeses it’s all perfectly balanced for the ultimate comfort food lasagna. It’s hearty, indulgent, and still a budget-friendly lasagna that tastes expensive.
If you’re looking for a million dollar lasagna recipe that combines tradition and a little indulgence, this is the one to keep.
Ingredients That Build the Best Lasagna
Twelve lasagna noodles
1.25 lbs Italian sausage or ground beef (think lasagna with ground beef and sausage)
One 24-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce (perfect for lasagna with spaghetti sauce)
Two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce
One teaspoon Italian seasoning
One 24-ounce container of cottage cheese (a star in lasagna with cottage cheese and cream cheese)
One 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
Quarter cup sour cream (the secret to creamy lasagna recipe with sour cream)
One egg, beaten
One tablespoon dried parsley
One pound mozzarella cheese slices (you want that lasagna with mozzarella and parmesan topping)
Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese
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Anna’s Tip: Full-fat cottage cheese and room-temperature cream cheese make the silkiest filling. This combo is what gives you that signature million dollar cheese mixture. It’s the heart of every unforgettable million dollar lasagna recipe.
The Best Way to Assemble Lasagna
Start by cooking your noodles until al dente. Lay them on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Brown the sausage or ground beef until golden. Drain the fat and stir in your sauces and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer so the flavors can build into a bold, meaty base.
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and egg until smooth. Add dried parsley. This mixture creates the rich and velvety creamy lasagna layers that everyone will rave about.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Time to layer:
- Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom
- Add lasagna noodles
- Spoon on half the cheese mixture and smooth it out
- Layer mozzarella slices generously
Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce, then mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Want to know the best way to assemble lasagna? Be patient and deliberate. Spread each layer evenly, and always end with cheese on top for that golden finish. Trust me, this is how you get a true million dollar lasagna recipe that holds its shape and flavor.
Bake and Rest Why It Matters
Bake lasagna covered or uncovered? Cover it with foil for the first 25 minutes to keep moisture in, then uncover for 10 more to let the top get bubbly and golden.
How to keep lasagna from falling apart? Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving so much easier.
A good million dollar lasagna recipe is about balance moist, creamy, flavorful, and firm.
FAQs
How do I prevent soggy layers?
Drain noodles well and use thicker sauces.
Can I freeze million dollar lasagna?
Yes! This is a perfect freezer-friendly lasagna. Freeze before baking and cook directly from frozen.
How to store lasagna leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This make-ahead lasagna gets even better the next day!
How to reheat frozen lasagna?
Bake covered at 350°F until heated through. This is the best way to reheat lasagna without drying it out.
What’s in million dollar lasagna?
Layers of spaghetti sauce, Italian sausage, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Why use cream cheese in lasagna?
It makes the filling rich, tangy, and incredibly creamy.
Can I make lasagna without ricotta?
Absolutely. This version skips ricotta for a blend of cottage and cream cheese, and it’s even better!
What to serve with lasagna?
Try garlic bread with lasagna, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables with lasagna. Even a comforting tomato basil soup or caprese salad for Italian dinner works beautifully.
Make It Yours
Whether you need a quick lasagna recipe for weeknights or want something you can prep ahead for Sunday dinner, this million dollar lasagna with ground beef and sausage delivers. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite.
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This million dollar lasagna recipe also works beautifully for special occasions it feels fancy but is so easy to make. From the first layer to the final bite, it’s truly a million dollar lasagna recipe worth repeating.
If you make this best lasagna recipe with cream cheese, tag me or drop a comment. I want to see your cheesy creations!
Because in my kitchen, love is layered in every dish.
With all my heart,
Anna
