Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it elevates traditional lasagna with a luscious combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, creating an indulgent, velvety texture in every bite. The blend of Italian sausage and rich tomato sauces adds depth and flavor, making it a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 lasagna noodles
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1¼ lbs Italian sausage or ground beef
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1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
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2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 (24 oz) container cottage cheese
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tbsp dried parsley
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1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
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Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth.
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Assemble Lasagna: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 6 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella slices. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining cheese mixture, a third of mozzarella, remaining meat sauce, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Top with remaining mozzarella slices.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of 55 minutes, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or meal prep.
Variations
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Meat Options: Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative for different flavor profiles.
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Cheese Choices: Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese, or add shredded provolone for extra cheesiness.
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For freezing, I wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Before baking, I let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, I use no-boil noodles by ensuring there’s enough sauce to cook them properly during baking. I may need to add a bit more sauce or cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, I simmer the meat sauce until it’s thickened and drain any excess fat from the meat. Also, I let the lasagna rest after baking to allow it to set.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Yes, I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. Both options work well in this recipe.
What sides pair well with this lasagna?
I serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. Steamed vegetables also make a great side.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Lasagna is a rich and indulgent dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy cheese layers and hearty meat sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. I find myself returning to this recipe whenever I want to impress guests or enjoy a comforting homemade meal.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This ultimate comfort food layers pasta, creamy cheese filling, and savory sauce—baked until bubbly and golden. A guaranteed dinner favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1¼ lbs Italian sausage (or ground beef)
1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 (24 oz) container cottage cheese (or ricotta)
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp dried parsley
For the Lasagna Layers:
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb mozzarella cheese slices
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Noodles:
Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce:
In a skillet, brown sausage until fully cooked. Drain fat. Add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Make Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
Assemble Lasagna:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 6 noodles over sauce.
Spread half the cheese mixture, then a third of mozzarella slices.
Spoon on half of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan.
Repeat: noodles, cheese mixture, another third mozzarella, remaining meat sauce, ¼ cup Parmesan, and top with remaining mozzarella.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, use ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to keep the layers intact.
You can make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a kick.
Use no-boil noodles with extra sauce and tightly cover during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
