Dinner

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe

Name: Million Dollar Italian Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup cottage cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Bylina Carter November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Italian Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish that brings rich flavors and layers of cheese, meat, and pasta together in perfect harmony. This classic recipe is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering with its savory sauce and gooey melted cheese.

A close-up view of a layered lasagna with four pasta layers, each separated by thick, rich meat sauce colored deep brown with visible chunks of meat. The top layer is covered in melted golden-yellow cheese that looks glossy and slightly textured. On top of the lasagna sits a fresh salad made of pale green shredded lettuce, bright red tomato pieces, and small purple onion bits, adding vibrant color contrast. The lasagna is served on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, with a warm, softly blurred background of golden light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 cup cottage cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: In a skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and egg until smooth and well mixed.
Step 5: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, spread one-third of the cheese mixture on top, then sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute cottage cheese with more ricotta for a creamier texture.
Use fresh basil or oregano in place of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

For a lighter version, swap whole milk mozzarella with part-skim mozzarella.
Cooking noodles ahead saves time; you can also use no-boil noodles if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A tall lasagna stack with four visible layers of pasta sheets that are light brown and slightly browned at the edges, layered thickly with rich, chunky red meat sauce mixed with browned ground beef, and topped with melted golden yellow cheese that drips slightly over the edges. The top is garnished with a pile of shredded pale green lettuce, diced bright red tomatoes, and small pieces of finely chopped purple onion. The dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, with warm, soft yellow lights blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on the day you plan to serve it.

Do I have to use both ricotta and cottage cheese?

No, you can use just ricotta cheese if preferred. Cottage cheese adds moisture and texture, but using all ricotta will still give a delicious creamy layer.