Million Dollar Lasagna

️ What is “Million Dollar Lasagna”

Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t a traditional Italian lasagna — instead, it’s an American‑style baked pasta casserole that goes heavy on cheese (cream cheese, cottage‑ or ricotta‑style filling, mozzarella, Parmesan), meat sauce (ground beef and/or Italian sausage), and layers of pasta. The result: a hearty, creamy, super satisfying lasagna that “feels like a million bucks.” plainchicken.com+2Manila Spoon+2

It’s ideal when you want comfort food, leftovers that reheat well, or a crowd‑pleasing dish for family dinner nights. Many versions can even be assembled ahead or frozen for later. plainchicken.com+1

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: ~ 20–30 minutes

• Bake Time: ~ 45–60 minutes (depending on layering and oven)

• Total Time: ~ 1–1.5 hours

• Servings: ~ 8–10 (9×13‑inch pan) plainchicken.com+1

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (≈ 450 g) ground beef and/or 1 lb (≈ 450 g) Italian sausage (casings removed). plainchicken.com+1

• 1 large onion, chopped (optional but adds flavor) Manila Spoon+1

• Salt, pepper, (optional: garlic or Italian seasoning) — to taste. Manila Spoon+1

• 1 jar (≈ 24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce and optionally 1 small can tomato sauce — or adjust per taste. plainchicken.com+1

Cheese / “Creamy” Layer

• 8 oz (≈ 225 g) cream cheese, softened. plainchicken.com+1

• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese (choose based on preference or availability). Daily Easy Meals+1

• ½ cup sour cream (some recipes include it for extra creaminess). Manila Spoon+1

• 1 egg (beaten) — helps bind the cheese layer. plainchicken.com+1

• 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering and topping) Daily Easy Meals+1

• ~½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor & a cheesy top crust) plainchicken.com+1

Pasta

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (either pre‑boiled or oven‑ready, depending on what you have on hand) plainchicken.com+1

‍ Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish (or similar size casserole dish). plainchicken.com+1

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and/or Italian sausage with the chopped onion (if using). Drain excess fat. Manila Spoon+1

   • Stir in the marinara (and tomato sauce if using). Season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning or garlic powder. Let simmer on low for 5–10 minutes so flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly. plainchicken.com+1

3. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
   In a mixing bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, cottage (or ricotta) cheese, sour cream (if using), and beaten egg until smooth and creamy. This becomes your “cheese filling.” plainchicken.com+1

4. Cook or Prep Noodles:

   • If using regular lasagna noodles: cook according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.

   • If using oven‑ready (no‑boil) noodles: no pre‑cooking needed — just ensure you use enough sauce so the noodles cook properly while baking. Tablespoon.com+1

5. Assemble the Lasagna:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the dish (1–1½ cups).

   • Lay down a layer of noodles (enough to cover the bottom).

   • Spread half of your cheese filling on top of noodles.

   • Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese.

   • Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan.

   • Repeat: noodles → remaining cheese filling → remaining meat sauce → cheese.

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