If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful lasagna that will impress family and friends, look no further than Million Dollar Lasagna! This layered lasagna is packed with savory Italian sausage, peppers, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey cheese, making it one of the best pasta with meat recipes you’ll ever try. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or a special occasion, this easy meal recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
What makes this million-dollar lasagna so special? The secret ingredient—a creamy, cheesy layer made with cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream, creating an unbelievably rich and decadent texture. Combined with layers of hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish truly lives up to its name!
Table of Contents
What Makes This Million Dollar Lasagna Special?
A Twist on the Classic Lasagna Recipe
Traditional lasagna recipes typically include ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella layered with pasta. This million-dollar version takes things up a notch by adding a luxurious, creamy cheese layer that makes each bite extra rich and flavorful.
How This Recipe Differs from Traditional Lasagna
✔️ Uses a combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream for the ultimate creamy texture.
✔️ Includes Italian sausage and peppers for a bold, savory flavor.
✔️ Layered for the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta in every bite.
If you love recipes like pizza pot pie, lasagna cups, or pizza spaghetti, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Hearty and Flavorful Pasta with Meat
This lasagna with Italian sausage and peppers is full of robust flavors and comforting textures that make it a standout dinner.
The Secret to Creamy, Cheesy Layers
The blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream makes the filling extra creamy, ensuring that each bite melts in your mouth.
An Easy Meal Recipe for Family Dinners
This dish is great for meal prepping, freezer meals, or feeding a crowd, making it one of the best easy meal recipes to have in your rotation.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna
Essential Ingredients for the Best Layered Lasagna
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for a lighter version.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔️ Large skillet
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ 9×13-inch baking dish
✔️ Whisk
✔️ Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper, and cook until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
- Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for the Best Million Dollar Lasagna
✔️ Let the lasagna rest before cutting to prevent it from falling apart.
✔️ Use full-fat cheese for the best creamy texture.
✔️ Layer evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using the wrong type of pasta – Regular lasagna noodles work best; avoid oven-ready noodles.
❌ Not draining the meat properly – Remove excess grease to prevent a watery lasagna.
❌ Skipping the resting time – Letting the lasagna sit ensures clean, even slices.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This million-dollar lasagna pairs well with:
🥗 Garlic bread and a fresh salad
🍷 Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus
🍝 A side of cheesy breadsticks
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
✔️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
✔️ Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
FAQs About Million Dollar Lasagna
Can I Make This Lasagna Without Ricotta?
Yes! Substitute cottage cheese or extra cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Make It Ahead of Time?
Assemble the lasagna and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I Use a Different Meat or Make It Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey, beef, or a mix of mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion – Try This Decadent Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe Today!
If you’re looking for the ultimate layered lasagna packed with cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors, this Million Dollar Lasagna is a must-try! Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
PrintMillion Dollar Lasagna : The Ultimate Layered Lasagna
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful lasagna that will impress family and friends, look no further than Million Dollar Lasagna!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 60
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for a lighter version.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper, and cook until the meat is browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
- Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
✔️ Let the lasagna rest before cutting to prevent it from falling apart.
✔️ Use full-fat cheese for the best creamy texture.
✔️ Layer evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Million Dollar Lasagna