Million Dollar Lasagna earned its name by combining premium ingredients and expert techniques to create the most luxurious version of this beloved Italian-American classic. With its rich meat sauce, unique cream cheese mixture, and perfect blend of four different cheeses, every bite delivers restaurant-quality indulgence. This recipe goes beyond traditional lasagna by incorporating special touches that transform it into a truly memorable dish worthy of any celebration or special gathering.

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Million Dollar Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Masterpiece

Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s a luxurious celebration of layers that lives up to its ambitious name. What sets this lasagna apart is its rich combination of four different cheeses, perfectly seasoned meat sauce, and a unique creamy layer that transforms an ordinary lasagna into something extraordinary. Each bite delivers waves of flavor that justify the time and effort invested in creating this spectacular dish.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its careful construction and high-quality ingredients. The meat sauce is developed through slow cooking, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together. The addition of both sweet Italian sausage and ground beef creates a complex, hearty flavor base that ordinary lasagnas simply can’t match. The cream cheese mixture, which gives this recipe its “million dollar” status, adds an unprecedented level of richness and silky texture that elevates it far above traditional ricotta-based versions.

The Ultimate Special Occasion Lasagna

This lasagna also solves common problems that plague many recipes – it’s never watery, the noodles are perfectly tender, and the layers hold together beautifully when served. The combination of provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese creates a harmonious blend that delivers both flavor and the perfect melty texture that lasagna lovers crave.

While it requires more ingredients and effort than basic lasagna recipes, the result is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or when you want to truly impress your guests. It’s the kind of recipe that creates memories and will have everyone requesting it again and again.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
Freezer (unbaked): Up to 3 months, wrapped well
Freezer (baked): Up to 2 months in airtight container
Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through

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Print Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna

Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Total Time: 2 hours Servings: 12 Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Equipment

Large pot for boiling noodles
Large skillet or saucepan
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Aluminum foil
Cheese grater
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef 80/20
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1 large onion finely diced
6 garlic cloves minced
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
2 6 oz cans tomato paste
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
1 package 1 pound lasagna noodles
16 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
8 oz provolone cheese sliced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg, Italian seasoning, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Begin assembly: Spread 1 cup meat sauce in bottom of 9×13 baking dish.
Layer ingredients in this order:
Lasagna noodles
Meat sauce
Cream cheese mixture
Provolone slices
Mozzarella cheese
Repeat layers 2 more times
Top final layer with remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing
Don’t overcook the noodles – they should be al dente
Let lasagna rest before cutting for cleaner slices
Can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking
For best results, shred your own mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded
Drain excess fat from meat before adding sauce ingredients
If sauce seems too thick, add a little water or beef broth
For extra flavor, add mushrooms to the meat sauce
Make sure to cover edges of foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese sticking
Can substitute Italian sausage with all ground beef if preferred