Million Dollar Lasagna 🍝💰
If you’re craving a hearty, over-the-top comfort food that’ll feed a crowd and leave them raving, this Million Dollar Lasagna is your golden ticket. It’s stacked with flavor, thanks to layers of savory beef sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
Why the “million dollar” name? Because it tastes like it could win awards. Rich, creamy, meaty, and cheesy in all the right ways, it’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to serve up something truly special.
Why I Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average lasagna. What makes it “million dollar” is the luscious ricotta cheese mixture, seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. When that creamy filling meets the bubbling mozzarella topping and the deeply flavorful meat sauce—it’s lasagna magic.
Even better? It’s totally make-ahead and freezer-friendly. You can prep it in advance, freeze it, and pop it in the oven when you need a stress-free dinner that delivers big flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- No ricotta? Cottage cheese works in a pinch—just blend for smoothness.
- Want more veggies? Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Add depth: Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of red wine to the meat sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check your marinara sauce label.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 noodles, followed by ⅓ of the cheese mixture, and ⅓ of the meat sauce. Repeat two more times, ending with meat sauce.
4. Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Cook noodles al dente so they hold up through baking.
- Let it rest after baking to help the layers set—no sliding stacks here!
- Use fresh herbs for a flavor boost if you have them on hand.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This rich lasagna pairs perfectly with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm baguette slices
- Appetizers like Beer Cheese Dip or Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a game-day spread
- Finish strong with dessert like Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites or a refreshing drink alongside this Walking Taco Bar
Or compare with Instant Pot Lasagna if you’re short on time.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze cooled slices for grab-and-reheat dinners.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave single servings.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Instant Pot Lasagna – quick and cozy
- Beer Cheese Dip – a cheesy crowd-pleaser
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – sweet ending to a rich meal
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for another savory family favorite
- Walking Taco Bar – perfect for your next casual get-together
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Lasagna is the kind of dish that brings people together—it’s rich, cozy, cheesy, and always impressive. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a no-fail comfort food that lives up to its name.
Tried it? Leave a comment with your favorite tweaks—and follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious recipes that taste like a million bucks.
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