Name: Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 9 lasagna noodles; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

This Million Dollar Lasagna lives up to its name with every gloriously cheesy, meaty, and savory bite. The layers meld together in a bubbling, golden masterpiece that’s perfect for family gatherings, lazy Sunday suppers, or anytime you crave ultimate comfort food. With its rich ricotta filling, hearty beef sauce, and a beautiful trio of cheeses, you’ll understand after the first forkful why it’s called Million Dollar Lasagna—this dish truly feels like a jackpot for your taste buds!

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Million Dollar Lasagna is how a handful of everyday ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. Every item on this list isn’t just for show—they each bring texture, flavor, or that irresistible meltiness to the party.

Ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base for the sauce and makes every bite satisfying.
Marinara sauce: Gives richness and depth to the beef while binding all the flavors together.
Lasagna noodles: Those classic, wide pasta sheets create the signature layers we all crave.
Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy, luscious filling that keeps the dish moist and decadent.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that dreamy, stretchy, gooey top.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and forms a gorgeous golden crust when baked.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta layer so it’s creamy but not runny.
Italian seasoning: Boosts the aroma and adds a subtle herbal note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all of the flavors together.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Step 1: Ready the Beefy Marinara Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off the fat so your lasagna has just the right amount of richness, not greasiness. Stir in the marinara sauce, then let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes. This quick simmer builds a flavorful sauce base and gives the meat time to soak up all those tomato and herb flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While your meat sauce simmers, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Keep an eye on them; you want the noodles al dente so they’ll hold their shape while baking. After draining, spread the noodles out on a baking sheet or drizzle with a little oil to keep them from sticking together.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir. This creamy mixture forms the heart of Million Dollar Lasagna, adding a mellow, rich layer that balances out the robust sauce and gooey cheeses.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Lasagna

This is where the fun begins! Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Here’s the classic move: layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread on half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle over half the mozzarella, and ladle on a third of your meat sauce. Repeat this layering, then finish with the final 3 noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and a shower of Parmesan cheese over the top. These distinct layers are what make Million Dollar Lasagna so luxurious and inviting.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This steamy first bake helps all the flavors mingle and the cheeses melt wonderfully. Then, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes to let the top get bubbly and beautifully golden. Patience is key: let your Million Dollar Lasagna stand for at least 10 minutes before serving—this resting time helps it set so every slice comes out perfectly.

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Garnishes

A scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving takes your Million Dollar Lasagna from homey to restaurant-worthy. That pop of green adds freshness and a little extra wow factor. You could also drizzle with a touch of good olive oil or sprinkle on some extra Parmesan for even more flavor.

Side Dishes

This lasagna is a star on its own, but it shines even brighter with the right company. Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or simple roasted vegetables. And of course, don’t forget plenty of warm, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice your Million Dollar Lasagna into neat squares and serve each portion on a warm plate with a side of colorful seasonal veggies. For a family-style feast, bring the bubbling casserole straight to the table for everyone to scoop and serve themselves. If you’re feeling extra creative, try making individual lasagna rolls by spreading the filling and rolling up each noodle, then tucking them into the sauce for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will keep fresh for up to 4 days and makes a fantastic next-day lunch.

Freezing

Million Dollar Lasagna is a freezer superstar! Once cooled, wrap the whole dish—or individual pieces—in foil and then plastic wrap. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. If you’re making it ahead, assemble the lasagna but hold off on baking until you’re ready to serve. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling—usually about 25 minutes for a whole casserole or 10 minutes for a slice. Individual portions can also be microwaved in a pinch, though the oven yields the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Absolutely! Many home cooks use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter and slightly tangier filling in their Million Dollar Lasagna. Simply drain any excess liquid before mixing to prevent a watery result.

What other meats can I use?

This recipe is super flexible—try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mix of beef and pork. Each gives the dish a unique twist while keeping it hearty and flavorful.

Is it possible to make Million Dollar Lasagna vegetarian?

Yes! Just replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach or use your favorite plant-based meat alternative. The flavors still shine and you’ll keep that signature cheesy deliciousness.

Can I assemble this in advance?

Definitely. Assemble your Million Dollar Lasagna up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time as needed.

How do I get perfect slices?

To get those stunning, clean slices, let the lasagna cool and set for at least 10 minutes before cutting. Using a sharp knife and a spatula makes serving up neat portions a breeze—even for that coveted first piece!

Final Thoughts

There’s something especially comforting about gathering around the table to share Million Dollar Lasagna—it’s a dish guaranteed to bring everyone running for seconds. Give this recipe a try and see just how easy and exciting homemade lasagna can be. Here’s to comfort food, cozy vibes, and meals that taste like a million bucks!

Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Million Dollar Lasagna recipe is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of lasagna noodles, cheesy ricotta mixture, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

Lasagna Layers:

9 lasagna noodles
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep the Meat Sauce: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and a third of the meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with noodles and remaining meat sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian