Here it is — a rich, creamy, flavor-packed Million Dollar Italian Lasagna recipe that truly tastes like a restaurant masterpiece. This version gets its “million-dollar” name from the three-cheese creamy layer, plus a hearty Italian meat sauce.

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🍝 Million Dollar Italian Lasagna

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total: ~1 hr 30 min

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⭐ Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce OR 3 cups homemade sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1–2 tbsp tomato paste for richer flavor

For the “Million Dollar” Cheese Layer

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt & pepper

Other Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular boiled)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• Extra Parmesan for topping

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🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and/or sausage over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add marinara, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if using).
5. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes.

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2. Make the Million-Dollar Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine:

• Ricotta
• Cottage cheese
• Cream cheese
• Egg
• Parmesan
• Parsley
• Garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Mix until smooth and creamy.

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3. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a 9×13 baking dish:

1. Spread ½ cup meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
3. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over noodles.
4. Add 1/3 of the meat sauce.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.

Repeat layers two more times:

Noodles → Cheese mix → Meat sauce → Mozzarella

Finish with a final sprinkle of Parmesan.

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4. Bake

• Cover with foil (lightly tented so it doesn’t stick).
• Bake 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.

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😍 Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Use cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth cheese layer.
• Mix beef + sausage for deeper Italian flavor.
• Let it rest before serving — it slices beautifully.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze before or after baking.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Red wine or sparkling water