Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna is packed with layers of creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce—pure comfort food bliss!

this Recipe

You ever make a meal thinking it’ll just be fine, but then you take a bite and realize you’ve created something ridiculously good? That was me with this Million Dollar Lasagna.

I remember the first time I made it—I wasn’t expecting much. I had made lasagna plenty of times before, and honestly? They were all… kinda the same. Good, but nothing special. But then, this one? It was different. Maybe it was the creamy, dreamy mix of cheeses or the way the Italian sausage took the sauce to another level, but the moment I pulled it out of the oven, I just knew.

I didn’t even let it cool. I grabbed a fork, blew on it maybe twice, and took a bite. And that’s when I had my moment—the moment I realized every other lasagna I had ever made was a lie. This was the one. The ultimate. The million-dollar lasagna.

And now? Anytime I make it, people lose their minds. If you’ve ever wanted to be the person who brings the dish everyone talks about for days, this is the one. Trust me.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe?

Okay, I get it. Everyone says their lasagna is “the best.” But here’s why this one actually is:

• The cheese layer is next-level creamy. Forget the usual ricotta situation. This one mixes cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream together for the smoothest, richest texture ever.
• The sauce is bold and hearty. Italian sausage takes it up a notch, adding spice and depth that plain ground beef just can’t touch.
• Every bite is cheesy, gooey perfection. Instead of shredded mozzarella, this recipe uses slices. Yep, actual slices of mozzarella layered in so that when you pull up a forkful, you get that perfect, cheesy stretch.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food. You know those meals that just hug you from the inside? This is one of them.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s talk ingredients. Because sure, you could swap things around, but if you want that million-dollar flavor, here’s what makes it work:

• Lasagna Noodles – Regular, full-boil noodles are the way to go. No-boil ones tend to soak up too much sauce and can throw off the texture.
• Italian Sausage (or Ground Beef) – I highly recommend sausage. The seasonings add extra flavor. If you go with beef, maybe toss in some extra garlic or red pepper flakes for a boost.
• Spaghetti Sauce + Tomato Sauce – A combo of both gives you that perfect balance of thick and smooth without making the lasagna watery.
• Cottage Cheese + Cream Cheese + Sour Cream – The holy trinity of creamy goodness. This is what makes it so much better than basic lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese Slices – Do not use shredded cheese. I mean, you can, but the slices create that perfect, melty layer that you just don’t get with shredded.
• Parmesan Cheese – The finishing touch. A little salty, a little nutty, and just the right amount of sharpness to balance everything out.

Pro Tip: Want to get extra fancy? Swap half the mozzarella with smoked provolone for an insane depth of flavor.

How To Make Million Dollar Lasagna?

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Boil your lasagna noodles until just al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. (No one wants sticky noodles.)

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• Brown the Italian sausage (or beef) in a skillet over medium heat.
• Drain the grease, then add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer

• In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Stir until smooth and creamy. (This is where the magic happens.)

Step 4: Assemble Like a Pro

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, and let’s build this thing:

1. Spoon some meat sauce on the bottom—keeps the noodles from sticking and adds extra flavor.
2. Layer 6 noodles, slightly overlapping.
3. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
4. Add one-third of the mozzarella slices on top.
5. Spoon half of the meat sauce over everything.
6. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat the layers.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfection

• Top with the remaining mozzarella slices, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes before slicing. (I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me—worth it.)

Storage Options:

• Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F so it stays crispy on top.
• Want to freeze it? Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, then uncover and bake another 30 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to switch it around:

• Make it spicy – Use hot Italian sausage and add some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Go veggie – Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Lighter version? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage.
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free noodles.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Lasagna?

This dish is already the main event, but these sides make it even better:

• Garlic Bread – Because carbs make everything better.
• Caesar Salad – Something crisp and fresh to balance the richness.
• Roasted Veggies – Like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• A Good Red Wine – A bold Chianti or Cabernet? Yes, please.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready!

Why is my lasagna watery?
Could be overcooked noodles or too much liquid in the sauce. Make sure to drain the noodles well and let the sauce simmer until thick.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Totally! It won’t be as creamy, but if you love ricotta, go for it.

This Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just good—it’s the kind of meal that makes people close their eyes and savor every bite. If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this is it.

Now tell me—what’s your favorite lasagna trick? Drop it in the comments!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings (3 Ingredients)

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

The Million Dollar Lasagna is more, than a dish; it offers a dining experience. It combines textures and flavors creating a harmony where the zesty kick of Italian sausage blends seamlessly with the smoothness of three different cheeses. Every bite takes you on an adventure starting with the luscious layers of cream cheese and mozzarella infused with the enticing aromas of Italian seasonings. The journey is completed with a whiff of spaghetti sauce that leaves after a comforting warmth.

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10 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 12 lasagna noodle sheets
• 1-1/4 pounds Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 24-ounces jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 8-ounces each cans tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 24-ounces container cottage cheese
• 1 8-ounces block of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c sour cream
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese slices
• 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
2. Follow the instructions, on the package to cook the lasagna noodles. Once cooked drain them. Set them aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. In a frying pan cook the sausage or ground beef until browned.
2. Remove any fat, add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
3. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

1. In a mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, cream, beaten egg and dried parsley. Mix everything together.

Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Start by spreading a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange 6 noodles over the sauce so that they overlap slightly.
3. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Top it with one-third of the mozzarella cheese slices.
4. Add half of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat these layers one more time starting with noodles and ending with meat sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Final Layers and Baking:

1. Finish by placing the remaining mozzarella slices on top.
2. Cover the dish with foil. Bake in preheated oven, for 25 minutes. After taking off the foil place it back in the oven for another 30 minutes until it becomes bubbly and gets a browned top.
3. Give the lasagna some time to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

To make our Million Dollar Lasagna gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles. Always double-check labels on spaghetti and tomato sauces for any gluten-based additives. Ensure your meat seasonings are gluten-free too. With these easy adjustments, savor a delicious and inclusive lasagna experience!

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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