Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s both outrageously comforting and guaranteed to impress, look no further—this Million Dollar Lasagna has it all! Packed with layers of rich, cheesy, meaty goodness, each bite is the perfect balance of creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and bubbling mozzarella, all wrapped in perfectly tender noodles. Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday dinner, feeding a hungry family, or looking to bring a showstopper to your next potluck, this dish is bound to become your go-to comfort food. Let’s dive in and see why this classic earns a spot at the very top of the lasagna hall of fame.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Million Dollar Lasagna truly unforgettable is the combination of simple, everyday ingredients—nothing fancy, but each plays a starring role in building up those unmistakable flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a couple of delicious tips for each!

• Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for hearty, flavorful layers without too much grease.
• Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara is perfect, saving time while adding loads of savory tomato flavor.
• Lasagna noodles: Regular or oven-ready noodles work; classic ones bring the best texture if you cook them al dente.
• Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese makes the filling rich and smooth—full-fat ricotta gives extra indulgence.
• Mozzarella cheese: Stretchy, melty mozzarella ties every layer together with classic Italian comfort.
• Parmesan cheese: A final layer of nutty Parmesan brings sharpness and the perfect golden crust on top.
• Egg: Mixing an egg into the ricotta gives it structure, creating beautiful, sliceable layers.
• Italian seasoning: This all-purpose herb blend boosts aroma and infuses each bite with classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t skip the seasoning—it heightens every ingredient, making each bite pop!

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Simmer with Marinara

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet on medium heat, cook your ground beef until it’s perfectly browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off the excess fat—this keeps the lasagna from turning greasy. Pour in your marinara sauce, give it a good stir, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This melds all the flavors so they’re rich, savory, and ready to become the backbone of your lasagna.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions. The secret to Million Dollar Lasagna with absolutely perfect layers: pull the noodles out just as they hit al dente (a tad firm to the bite). Drain them and set aside, keeping them separated so they don’t stick together.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your creamy ricotta with the egg, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a crack or two of black pepper. The egg helps the ricotta set up into silky, sliceable layers, and those herbs add a fragrant boost you’ll smell as soon as the lasagna hits the oven.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Grab your biggest 9×13 inch baking dish. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom—this keeps noodles from sticking. Lay down three noodles side-by-side. Spread half your ricotta mixture evenly, followed by half the mozzarella, and a third of your meat sauce. Repeat: noodles, the rest of the ricotta, the rest of the mozzarella, and another third of sauce. Top with your final noodle layer, cover with the last of the meat sauce, and finish it all off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, until the cheese gets bubbly and gloriously golden. It’s tempting to dive in right away but let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. This lets the layers set so you can slice perfect squares without losing any of that creamy filling.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Garnishes

Take your Million Dollar Lasagna to the next level with a finishing touch of freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top just before serving. A few twists of freshly ground black pepper and extra Parmesan add even more Italian flair and a lovely pop of green. These touches aren’t just for looks—they freshen up the rich flavors and brighten the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This main course is a showstopper, so keep your sides classic and simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness, and warm garlic bread or a rustic loaf is perfect for mopping up those extra saucy bites. If you want a colorful table, roast some seasonal vegetables on the side—think carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Million Dollar Lasagna an occasion! For a dinner party, slice it neatly and serve each portion on a swirl of extra marinara. Feeling playful? Use a ring mold for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation. Or, let the family dig in straight from the pan for that beloved, cozy, family-style vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, cover any leftover Million Dollar Lasagna tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. You’ll find the flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers might even taste better the next day!

Freezing

Lasagna is a perfect freezer meal, making weeknights so much easier. Let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, or use a lidded freezer-safe container. Freeze either whole or as individual servings for up to three months. Just be sure to label with the date and a reminder that this is the real Million Dollar Lasagna!

Reheating

To reheat, let frozen portions thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot all the way through (about 25–30 minutes for a whole pan, less for small portions). For a crisper top, uncover for the last 5–10 minutes. The microwave also works for speedy single servings, though you might lose a bit of that crispy cheese magic on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat or make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey, sausage, or even a mix for a twist. For a vegetarian Million Dollar Lasagna, use lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini as a hearty, flavorful base in place of beef.

Can I assemble Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually gets even better if you prepare it in advance. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven—it may need a touch more baking time straight from the fridge.

What’s the best way to slice and serve clean portions?

Letting the baked lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes really pays off! Use a sharp knife and a flexible spatula for clean, even servings. Running the knife under hot water between slices helps keep those cheesy layers picture-perfect.

Is it okay to use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes! Oven-ready (no-boil) noodles work well and save a cooking step. Just make sure to use enough sauce, as they’ll absorb some extra liquid while baking to become perfectly tender.

How can I make the lasagna even richer or more “million dollar”?

Consider mixing a bit of cream cheese into the ricotta layer for extra silkiness, or sprinkling extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top before baking. Some folks love adding a layer of thinly sliced provolone as a decadent bonus!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a longtime lasagna lover or trying this style for the first time, there’s just something magical about Million Dollar Lasagna. All those layers—creamy, meaty, cheesy, saucy—come together in a way that feels like pure comfort on a plate. Gather your ingredients and give it a try; one bite, and you’ll understand why it earns every penny of its delicious reputation!

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