Imagine digging into a bubbling dish of creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed lasagna that melts in your mouth with every bite. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Million Dollar Lasagna—a rich and indulgent twist on the classic Italian favorite. Named not for its cost, but for its luxurious taste, this dish blends traditional lasagna layers with a creamy cheese filling that elevates it to comfort food royalty. Whether you’re making a hearty family dinner or impressing guests at a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—ingredients, steps, pro tips, and more—to make your own Million Dollar Lasagna at home.
What is Million Dollar Lasagna?
The name “Million Dollar Lasagna” comes from the richness of its flavors and the creamy, indulgent texture that sets it apart from a typical lasagna. Unlike the classic version that uses only ricotta or béchamel, this variation adds a velvety mix of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. The result is a dish so satisfying and over-the-top that it feels like a million bucks in your mouth. While traditional lasagna relies on simplicity, this version piles on the flavor and decadence, making it perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood to treat yourself.
If you’re into rich casseroles, you might also enjoy this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole—a similar concept packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna
To make Million Dollar Lasagna, gather the following:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz jar of marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred, though many love the lighter texture of cottage cheese. Italians traditionally use béchamel instead of ricotta, as noted in this Wikipedia entry on lasagna.
Tip: Opt for quality marinara and cheese to enhance the depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Set aside. This mixture is the secret to that creamy, luxurious texture.
Browning the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Assembling the Layers
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a generous spread of the cheese mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with meat sauce and a heavy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
For more advanced techniques and variations, check out The Food Lab’s guide to lasagna on Serious Eats.
Tips to Make It Taste Like a Million Bucks
Ingredient Upgrades
If you want your Million Dollar Lasagna to really live up to its name, consider these ingredient enhancements. Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan instead of pre-shredded versions—they melt better and have more flavor. Upgrade to Italian sausage instead of plain ground beef for extra seasoning. Adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers also deepens the flavor.
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley go a long way. Add them to both the cheese mixture and as a garnish just before serving. And don’t forget garlic—freshly minced makes a difference over powdered.
Storage & Reheating
Million Dollar Lasagna stores beautifully. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave a slice with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Making It Ahead
This dish is a great candidate for meal prep or entertaining. Assemble it fully, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add an extra 10 minutes of oven time. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna and cook directly from frozen (increase baking time by 30–40 minutes).
Looking for more cozy meals like this? Try our roundup of Easy Dinner Recipes for Family Comfort Foods for more inspiration.
Nutrition & Serving Suggestions
Nutritional Breakdown (Estimates)
- Calories per serving: ~480–550
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbs: ~30g
- Fat: ~30g
These are estimates and will vary depending on your ingredients, but keep in mind this is a hearty, indulgent dish best enjoyed as a main course.
Pairing Ideas
To balance the richness, serve Million Dollar Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans. Garlic bread or a toasted baguette makes the perfect side for soaking up extra sauce. As for drinks, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet or Chianti pairs wonderfully, or opt for sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
The world’s most expensive lasagna was once served at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, featuring luxurious ingredients like Kobe beef, foie gras, and truffle cream sauce. It reportedly cost over $100 per serving. While that version is extravagant, Million Dollar Lasagna gives you that high-end taste using ingredients you can actually find at the grocery store.
Traditional Italian lasagna, particularly in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna, uses béchamel sauce instead of ricotta. This white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk creates a silky, rich texture that blends beautifully with the meat and noodles. While ricotta is popular in American versions, béchamel adds a distinct authenticity.
Garfield’s favorite lasagna is a traditional meat lasagna—layers of pasta, marinara, ground beef, and lots of cheese, especially mozzarella and ricotta. While Million Dollar Lasagna has a creamier twist thanks to sour cream and cream cheese, you can easily adapt it to channel your inner Garfield by sticking with simpler layers and generous helpings of cheese.
A standard Kirkland Signature lasagna from Costco weighs about 6 pounds and typically feeds 8 to 12 people, depending on portion size. It’s a great backup if you’re short on time, but nothing beats the homemade depth of flavor from a Million Dollar Lasagna made from scratch.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just another pasta bake—it’s a rich, comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings creamy layers and cheesy satisfaction to the table. With its velvety cheese blend and savory meat sauce, it’s a guaranteed hit for dinners, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Now that you’ve got the full how-to, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Try it out, and let us know how your lasagna turns out! For more recipes like this, don’t forget to explore our comfort food collection.