What is the secret ingredient for the best lasagna?

Cream cheese. It adds a creamy richness that binds the other cheeses together and gives the lasagna that smooth, melty texture that sets it apart. A little goes a long way.

Why is it called million dollar lasagna?

Because it tastes like it costs way more than it does. The layers of meats, cheeses, and sauce give it that luxurious feel—like a big-batch comfort meal turned gourmet.

Do Italians in Italy use ricotta in lasagna?

They do, but it varies. Traditional lasagna from Northern Italy uses béchamel sauce instead of ricotta. In the U.S., ricotta is more common—and mixing it with cottage cheese gives a softer, creamier filling.

What is my grandma's unconventional golden rule for making legendary lasagna?

Let it rest. After baking, give your lasagna 10–15 minutes to settle. The layers hold better, the flavors deepen, and you won’t end up with a soupy slice.

Best Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe – 3 Rich Layers & Comfort

Description

The best million dollar lasagna recipe layered with rich meat sauce, three cheeses, and a creamy twist. Comfort food done right.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 package (8 oz) lasagna noodles, uncooked

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup cottage cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.

3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs until smooth.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in dish. Add noodles, then cheese mixture, then sauce. Repeat layers.

6. Top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes.

7. Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Let it rest before slicing—it holds together better and tastes richer.

To make ahead, assemble but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 540
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: best million dollar lasagna recipe, cheesy lasagna, comfort food, pasta casserole