There are lasagnas… and then there’s Million Dollar Lasagna. This dish isn’t just a step up—it’s a full-on leap into next-level comfort food. With its rich, cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce, this lasagna is the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds (and thirds). I’ve made it for family dinners, potlucks, and even a couple of holiday meals—and let me tell you, it always disappears fast.

What makes this lasagna so special? It’s all about that cheese mixture. The combo of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella gives it this ultra-creamy, luxurious texture that totally lives up to the “million dollar” name. And then there’s the meat sauce—savory, thick, and just the right balance of flavor with the help of Italian sausage, ground beef, and a hint of sugar to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes.

This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket when you really want to impress or when you just need a cozy, feel-good meal. And don’t worry—it might sound fancy, but it’s totally doable with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish that’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

16 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For the Layers:

12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (extra, for layering)
Extra parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

The meat sauce is the backbone of this lasagna, and it’s packed with rich, bold flavor.

In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together with the diced onion. You’ll want to stir often and break the meat up as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked and the onion is tender, go ahead and drain off any excess grease (this step is key to avoid a greasy lasagna).

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant—just long enough to release all that garlicky goodness.

Now it’s time to build the sauce: pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, then add in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir and let it simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering step really helps the flavors come together and thickens the sauce just right.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

While the meat sauce is simmering, it’s a great time to whip up the creamy cheese mixture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. It’s going to be thick, rich, and full of flavor.

Then, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. This gives the cheese layer that irresistible melty stretch when you slice into the finished lasagna.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Before assembling everything, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step might seem small, but it helps the lasagna come out clean and keeps those edges from sticking.

Alright, now that we’ve prepped our rich meat sauce and dreamy cheese filling, it’s time for the most satisfying part—assembling and baking this Million Dollar Lasagna. Trust me, when those layers start coming together, you’ll know you’re building something special. This part is where all that flavor stacks up—literally!

Whether you’re making this lasagna for a cozy Sunday dinner or prepping ahead for a family get-together, the layering process is easier than you might think, and it’s what really gives this dish its “wow” factor.

Let’s keep going and get this beauty into the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Time to bring all the components together!

Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and also ensures the noodles don’t dry out at the bottom. Think of it like laying down a flavorful foundation.

Next, add three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Then comes a generous scoop of the cheese mixture—spread it out evenly so every bite has that creamy goodness. Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese, and then sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella.

Repeat this layering pattern:

Noodles
Cheese mixture
Meat sauce
Shredded mozzarella

Keep going until all the ingredients are used up. Aim to finish with a nice thick layer of meat sauce and a hearty sprinkle of mozzarella on top. The top layer is going to turn beautifully golden and bubbly in the oven, so don’t be shy with the cheese here.

You should get about 3 layers, depending on how deep your baking dish is.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover your lasagna tightly with aluminum foil. This helps everything cook evenly without drying out the top layer too soon.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—like you’ve been cooking all day, even though this dish comes together surprisingly easily.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

This last step might just be the hardest—waiting!

Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but this resting time is crucial. It lets the layers settle and makes it much easier to cut clean slices.

Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. It adds a little pop of color and freshness to balance all that rich, savory flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Every Time

Even though this lasagna is straightforward, a few small tricks can take it from good to amazing:

Cook noodles al dente: You don’t want overcooked noodles since they’ll soften more while baking. Al dente gives the perfect bite.
Soften the cream cheese fully: This helps it mix smoothly with the other cheeses, so your filling is silky and lump-free.
Let it rest before slicing: This can’t be said enough—no one wants a gooey mess. Give it time to settle!
Use quality marinara: If you’re not making your own sauce, choose a good jarred one. The flavor really matters here.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add 10–15 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

We’ve made it through the layers, the bake, and the rest—now it’s time to dig into some of the most frequently asked questions I get about this Million Dollar Lasagna. Whether you’re prepping it for a party, making it ahead for the week, or serving it up for your family’s Sunday dinner, these tips will help you get the best results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this lasagna gets even better when it’s made ahead. You can assemble it fully, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?

Yes! This lasagna freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble as directed and wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. For baked leftovers, just portion and freeze in airtight containers.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The easiest way is to cover a portion with foil and reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in, and heat in 1-minute increments until hot.

4. Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, you can. Some people prefer cottage cheese for a lighter texture or just use it because it’s what they have on hand. It works well, but the texture will be slightly different. If you do use cottage cheese, you might want to drain it first so it’s not too runny.

5. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Just leave out the ground beef and Italian sausage and replace them with a mix of sautéed vegetables—like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute if you want to keep the texture close to the original.

6. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles work well with this recipe, especially since the sauce has plenty of moisture to soften them during baking. Just make sure the noodles are fully covered in sauce and cheese layers so they cook evenly.

7. How do I get clean slices when serving?

The key is letting the lasagna rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife and a flat spatula to lift out each slice. Wiping the knife clean between cuts can also help keep those layers looking neat and picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts: A Lasagna Worth Repeating

This Million Dollar Lasagna truly lives up to its name—it’s rich, comforting, and always a hit. The blend of creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender noodles creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to treat your family to something special, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

What I love most is how versatile it is. You can make it ahead, freeze it, swap out ingredients based on what you have, and it still turns out delicious every single time. And the best part? Everyone always asks for seconds.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your tweaks, your favorite variations, or how fast it disappeared at your dinner table. This lasagna has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

Happy cooking—and enjoy every cheesy, saucy, satisfying bite!

Million Dollar Lasagna