Million Dollar Italian Lasagna: Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta Masterpiece

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Layered with bold meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a surprise cream cheese twist—this is not your average lasagna. This is Million Dollar Lasagna, and yes… it’s worth every bite.

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes

  • Cook Time: 60 minutes

  • Rest Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

  • Servings: 12

Dietary Badges: Hearty | Family Favorite | Freezer-Friendly | Comfort Food Classic

Ingredients

→ For the Meat Sauce

  • Ground beef (80/20 for flavor)

  • Italian sausage (mild or hot)

  • Yellow onion, chopped

  • Garlic, minced

  • Marinara sauce

  • Tomato sauce

  • Tomato paste

  • Sugar (to cut acidity)

  • Dried oregano, basil, fennel seeds

  • Salt & pepper

→ For the “Million Dollar” Cheese Layer

  • Cream cheese, softened

  • Ricotta cheese

  • Sour cream

  • Egg

  • Parmesan cheese, grated

  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • Parsley (fresh or dried)

  • Garlic powder

→ For Assembly

  • Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

  • Mozzarella (for topping)

  • Optional: More Parmesan & parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

Brown beef and sausage in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion and sauté until soft, then stir in garlic. Add marinara, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes to develop flavor.

Tip: Taste as you go—adjust seasonings or add chili flakes for spice!

2. Make the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and ricotta until smooth. Add sour cream, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, and garlic powder. Stir until combined.

This layer is your secret weapon—rich, creamy, and totally next level.

3. Cook the Noodles

Boil noodles until al dente, then drain and lay flat on parchment to prevent sticking.

Shortcut: Oven-ready noodles work—just increase sauce slightly for moisture.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 dish, layer:

  • A bit of meat sauce

  • 4 noodles

  • Half the cheese mixture

  • ⅓ of the meat sauce

  • 4 more noodles

  • Remaining cheese mixture

  • Another ⅓ meat sauce

  • Final noodles + remaining meat sauce

  • Top with mozzarella & extra Parmesan

5. Bake & Rest

Cover with foil (spray underside with cooking spray). Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 more minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Quick Tips

  • Don’t skip the rest time—it helps everything set beautifully.

  • Use a sharp knife or spatula for clean slices.

  • Store leftovers in portions for easy reheat meals or freeze for later.

💡 Introduction

Lasagna is comfort food royalty, but this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna takes it up a notch (or five). Cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta combine for an ultra-creamy middle layer that elevates every bite. Paired with a rich meat sauce and lots of bubbly mozzarella? It’s no wonder this is called “million dollar.”

I started making this version for special Sunday dinners, but it’s become my go-to when I want to wow guests—or when I just need a big pan of something delicious to fuel my week. It’s freezer-friendly, W-W adaptable with smart swaps, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredient Deep Dive & Substitutions

  • Cream Cheese: Adds indulgent texture. Use ⅓ less fat for W-W friendly.

  • Ricotta: Use part-skim to lighten. Full-fat gives extra richness.

  • Ground Beef/Sausage: Go for 93% lean beef or turkey sausage to reduce fat.

  • Noodles: Regular, whole wheat, or oven-ready all work. Whole wheat boosts fiber.

  • Marinara: Homemade or store-bought—choose low-sugar if tracking W-W points.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Twists

  • 🌶️ Add crushed red pepper for heat.

  • 🍄 Stir sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the meat sauce.

  • 🧄 Use roasted garlic for an earthy depth.

Dietary Swaps

  • W-W Friendly:

    • Use lean meats

    • Low-fat cheeses

    • Light cream cheese

    • Reduced-fat sour cream

  • Gluten-Free: Use GF lasagna noodles (cook time may vary).

Pair With

  • Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread or crusty ciabatta

  • Roasted veggies (zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers)

  • A glass of bold red wine—Chianti, Merlot, or even a light Cab!

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead

Storage

  • Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 4 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze whole or in individual portions. Wrap well and label. Keeps 2–3 months.

Reheating

  • Microwave slices or reheat whole pan at 350°F covered until hot.

Make-Ahead

  • Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Let sit at room temp 20 minutes before placing in oven.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Based on 12 servings)

  • Calories: ~500 kcal

  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbs: 32g

  • Fat: 30g

  • W-W Points (est.): 10–12 (with W-W adapted ingredients)

  • Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg (in noodles and cheese layer)

FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—use lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground “meat” in place of beef and sausage.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes! Blend it first for a smoother texture—it works well and cuts points for W-W.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time for a party?
A: Definitely. Assemble up to 48 hours in advance and bake day-of. It’s even better the next day!

🧡 Kristy’s Note

This lasagna is pure indulgence—with a balanced richness that makes it feel special without being over-the-top. I love pulling it out of the oven and watching eyes light up. Whether you’re serving it for guests, a holiday, or Sunday supper, you’ll feel like a million bucks when you serve this dish.

More Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Bakes

  • Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells (W-W Friendly)

  • Turkey Bolognese Ziti Bake

  • Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

💬 Let’s Talk Lasagna!

Tried this Million Dollar Italian Lasagna? I want to hear about it! Leave your review below and tag your lasagna layers on Instagram with #KristyCooksHealthy and #MillionDollarLasagna. Let’s get cheesy!

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