Million Dollar Lasagna

This Million Dollar Lasagna transforms ordinary lasagna into something extraordinary with its creamy cheese layer that makes it worth every bit of its name. The combination of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates an unbelievably rich texture that elevates this classic dish to restaurant quality right in your home kitchen.

I created this recipe when my in-laws unexpectedly stayed for dinner, and I needed something impressive yet comforting. The look on my father-in-law's face after his first bite told me this recipe was a keeper, and it's been our special occasion pasta dish ever since.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage provides deeper flavor than regular ground beef, though either works beautifully
• Jarred spaghetti sauce saves time without sacrificing taste, choose a high quality brand for best results
• Cottage cheese adds wonderful texture while being lighter than traditional ricotta
• Cream cheese creates that million dollar creaminess that makes this recipe special
• Sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the richness
• Mozzarella cheese slices rather than shredded melt more evenly across the layers
• Parmesan cheese adds that nutty, salty finish that brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components.

Create the Meat Sauce

Brown the Italian sausage or ground beef thoroughly in a large skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat completely. Add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. The slow simmer helps the flavors meld together.

Mix the Cheese Filling

Combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and dried parsley in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture is what gives the lasagna its luxurious texture and rich flavor. Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps.

Assemble the Layers

Start with 1 cup of meat sauce spread evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking. Layer 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise, slightly overlapping to cover the entire dish. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella slices. Add half of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.

Complete the Lasagna

Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses. The final layer should be the remaining mozzarella slices on top which will create that beautiful golden, bubbly finish. Cover tightly with foil, being careful not to let it touch the cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and the edges are bubbling. The two-stage baking process ensures the lasagna heats through completely without burning the cheese. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This resting time is crucial for the layers to set properly.

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The cream cheese is truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered it by accident when I ran short on ricotta one evening and needed a substitute. The resulting creaminess was so incredible that my husband declared it was better than any restaurant lasagna he had ever tasted. Now I never make lasagna without it.

Make Ahead Options

This lasagna actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. You can assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. When ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, possibly adding an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time if it's still cold from the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

The triple cheese blend in this recipe makes it exceptionally freezer friendly. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked lasagna, assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For baked lasagna, cool completely, cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for quick weeknight meals.

Serving Suggestions

While this lasagna is certainly hearty enough to stand alone, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the rich flavors. Garlic bread is traditional, but for something different, try rosemary focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce. For wine pairings, a medium bodied Italian red like Chianti or Barbera complements the flavors beautifully without overwhelming them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months - just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

→ What makes this lasagna different from traditional versions?

The addition of cream cheese and sour cream to the cottage cheese layer creates an exceptionally rich and creamy texture that sets this apart from traditional ricotta-based lasagnas. This triple-cheese combination is what gives the dish its 'million dollar' quality.

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of ricotta for the cottage cheese if preferred. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Some people prefer ricotta's finer texture, while others enjoy the unique quality cottage cheese brings to this dish.

→ Why does the lasagna need to rest before serving?

The 15-minute resting period allows the layers to set and the cheese to firm up slightly, making it much easier to cut clean slices that hold their shape. It also prevents burning your mouth on molten cheese and allows the flavors to meld together.

→ What side dishes pair well with Million Dollar Lasagna?

This rich lasagna pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread or breadsticks, roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens. The fresh, lighter sides balance the richness of the lasagna perfectly.

→ Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, the recipe specifically mentions you can use either Italian sausage or ground beef. Italian sausage will provide more flavor due to its seasoning, but ground beef works perfectly well. For the best of both worlds, consider using half sausage and half beef.