Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Dreaming of the ultimate comfort food that feels both luxurious and easy to pull off on a weeknight? Let me introduce you to Million Dollar Lasagna: a glorious, bubbling casserole brimming with tender noodles, velvety ricotta, savory beef, and layers of gooey, golden cheese. Each bite is delightfully rich and creamy—in fact, this foolproof recipe makes every home cook feel like a million bucks, whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving the coziest family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Million Dollar Lasagna earns its place, lending either bold flavor, perfect texture, or irresistible cheesiness. Stick to these classics for guaranteed success, or put your own spin on the seasonings if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Ground beef: Provides a hearty, deeply savory base to the meat sauce—choose 80/20 for the best flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jarred sauce for convenience and rich tomato flavor that brings the dish together.
• Lasagna noodles: Traditional noodles create those beautiful, stacked layers—cook them al dente so they don’t get soggy.
• Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy, luscious layer that balances out the meatiness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection—the hallmark of any stellar lasagna.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finishing touch that browns beautifully in the oven.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture so your lasagna slices hold together with ease.
• Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend infuses the cheese with that crave-worthy, nostalgic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing every savory note in your Million Dollar Lasagna to life.

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Make the Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce for a flavor-packed combination. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, giving all those savory flavors a chance to meld.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While your sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions—usually boiling for about 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Be sure to separate them as they’re draining to prevent sticking. Having your noodles ready will make assembling your Million Dollar Lasagna a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

Grab a mixing bowl and add your ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth. This creamy, seasoned layer is the “secret ingredient” that gives classic lasagna that unmistakable luxury—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Here comes the fun part. Spread a thin layer of your beef sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep the noodles from sticking. Add a layer of 3 noodles, cover with half the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella and more of your hearty meat sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with noodles topped by the rest of your meat sauce and a generous shower of Parmesan. Those beautiful layers are the essence of Million Dollar Lasagna.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes so everything gets hot and the cheese starts melting. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let everything set—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Garnishes

Dress up your Million Dollar Lasagna with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and a hit of freshness. A quick grind of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a leafy green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or offer some roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for a satisfying contrast. And don’t forget warm, crusty garlic bread—because who can resist mopping up that extra sauce?

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling your Million Dollar Lasagna in individual ramekins for a personal, restaurant-worthy touch, or slice it into small squares for a fun appetizer at parties. Turn leftovers into a next-day lunch by tucking a warm slice into a ciabatta roll with extra mozzarella for a lasagna sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover lasagna into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors often taste even better the next day as everything has time to meld—just another reason to look forward to leftovers!

Freezing

Million Dollar Lasagna freezes beautifully: either the entire baked (and cooled) dish or individual slices. Wrap well in foil and place inside a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, covering with foil to keep it moist. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, but be careful to avoid overheating which can dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in Million Dollar Lasagna?

Absolutely! Cottage cheese offers a lighter, slightly tangy twist, and many families love this swap. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid for best results.

What other meats work well in this lasagna?

Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based “beef” can all step in for ground beef, bringing different flavors and textures to the dish. Try mixing half beef and half sausage for an extra savory kick!

Is it okay to make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, then bake as directed (just add 10-15 more minutes to the covered baking time if going straight from the fridge).

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Be sure to drain your noodles well, use a thick marinara sauce, and let the lasagna rest after baking. These steps keep the layers neat and every slice perfectly set.

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna gluten-free?

You sure can. Substitute with your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles—just be gentle when boiling and layering, as they can be a bit more delicate.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both impressive and soul-satisfying, Million Dollar Lasagna absolutely delivers. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself: whip up a pan, gather some friends or family, and get ready to bask in rave reviews. After all, a meal this memorable really does feel like you’ve struck culinary gold!

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