If you have been hunting for a rich, comforting dish that makes every meal feel like a celebration, this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. It layers tender noodles, savory ground beef, a luscious three-cheese filling, and gooey melted mozzarella, all brought together with a fragrant marinara sauce. Every bite bursts with flavor and warmth, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without fuss. Once you try this lasagna, you’ll see why it’s rightly called a Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Nothing complicated, but each element plays a crucial role to deliver layers of flavor, creamy texture, and that irresistible golden crust that makes lasagna so beloved.
- Lasagna noodles: The base that holds all the layers together, cooked just right to be tender but not mushy.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory depth and richness, balancing the cheeses perfectly.
- Small onion, chopped: Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the meat sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of flavor that enhances the sauce beautifully.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): The tomato base that ties everything together with vibrant acidity and herbs.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, slightly tangy layer that melts into the noodles.
- Cottage cheese: Adds moisture and a light texture, working hand in hand with the ricotta.
- Egg: Binds the cheese mixture so it holds in perfect layers after baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into bubbly, stringy goodness—essential for that gooey top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a sharp, nutty note to finish the lasagna with a golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh basil: A bright, herbal garnish that adds color and a fresh finish to each serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Noodles
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly ready once you assemble your lasagna. Meanwhile, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions—usually boiling in salted water until al dente. Drain them well and set aside; this step ensures your noodles stay firm enough to hold those luscious layers.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often to break up the meat and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy finish. This step is crucial as it builds the base for your rich meat sauce.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with your browned beef mixture. Allow it to gently simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld into a perfectly seasoned meat sauce that will saturate those noodles with delicious flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, mix ricotta, cottage cheese, and egg in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper and whisk until smooth and creamy. This blend creates the luscious, velvety layer that adds terrific moisture and richness to your lasagna.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then layer noodles, dollops of the cheese mixture, shredded mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat these layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with a hearty topping of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Layering thoughtfully is what makes this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe a showstopper.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, locking in moisture for that perfect tender bite. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown with melted cheese delight.
Step 7: Let Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes. This step helps it settle so every slice holds its shape beautifully. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and a lift of fresh aroma to this indulgent, iconic dish.
How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic topping for this lasagna, adding a pop of green and herbal brightness that balances the richness. For an extra touch, a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate each plate to a restaurant-quality experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to brighten the palate. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also pairs wonderfully to help scoop up every luscious bit of sauce and cheese left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider serving the lasagna in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Layering with heirloom tomatoes or roasted vegetables in the layers adds variety. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a surprising crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the texture intact.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes wonderfully for those times you want a big batch ready to go. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though oven reheating does the best job of preserving that fresh-baked texture and cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a hearty vegetable medley. Use your favorite marinara and keep the cheese layers the same for a delicious vegetarian option that’s just as satisfying.
What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Ricotta and cottage cheese work perfectly together here because ricotta provides creaminess while cottage cheese adds moisture and a lighter texture. The egg binds everything nicely so the filling doesn’t fall apart when sliced.
Do I need to boil the noodles before assembling?
Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they cook evenly and don’t absorb too much moisture from the sauce during baking. However, if you’re short on time, no-boil noodles can be used, but you may need to add extra sauce to keep it moist.
Can I prepare the lasagna in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it a few extra minutes since the dish will be cold going in. It’s a wonderful way to prep for a dinner party or busy weeknight.
What makes this a Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe?
It’s the perfect balance of simple, classic ingredients with an indulgent cheese blend and savory meat sauce, baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The layers are rich yet balanced, making every bite feel like a luxurious treat worth every penny in flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe a try. It’s comfort food at its finest, straightforward to make, and guaranteed to make your dinner table feel special. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a celebratory feast, this lasagna delivers joy in every luscious bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to share this slice of delicious happiness.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Lasagna is a classic Italian-American layered pasta dish featuring tender lasagna noodles, a rich and savory ground beef marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this hearty recipe serves as a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 9 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Cook the Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked ground beef mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin by spreading a layer of the meat sauce. Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, and then a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium marinara sauce and cheeses.
