Name: EASY Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: No-boil lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage); 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups marinara sauce (or your homemade tomato sauce); 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a game-changer for anyone who loves a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful meal. The combination of no-boil noodles and rich, hearty meat sauce makes assembly easier and faster than traditional lasagna recipes. Plus, with three types of cheese—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—this dish is nothing short of a cheese lover's dream. The flavor is rich, the texture is perfectly creamy, and it has all the comforting, savory notes you crave. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this lasagna will steal the show.

Ingredients

No-boil lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce (or your homemade tomato sauce)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mix). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Cover it with a layer of lasagna noodles.
Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of noodles, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve. Enjoy your Million Dollar Lasagna!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a delicious veggie lasagna.
Extra Cheese: For a more decadent dish, add an extra layer of cheese in between the layers or sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before baking.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Homemade Sauce: If you prefer homemade sauce, use fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices for a more personal touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the lasagna before baking or after it's cooked. To freeze before baking, assemble the lasagna in the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Make sure you drain excess fat from the meat and let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken. Avoid overloading the layers with too much sauce.

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just follow the directions as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook the noodles according to package directions before assembling the lasagna.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. It will give the lasagna a lighter taste, but the overall flavor will still be delicious.

Can I make this lasagna without meat?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with a variety of vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I make sure the lasagna doesn't dry out?

Make sure to cover the lasagna with aluminum foil during the first part of the baking process to lock in moisture, then uncover it towards the end to allow the cheese to brown.

How many layers should my lasagna have?

Typically, lasagna has about 3-4 layers, but you can adjust this based on the size of your baking dish and personal preference.

Can I use fresh herbs in the sauce?

Yes, using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will enhance the flavor of the sauce. Just add them in after you cook the meat and let them simmer with the sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you make it ahead of time or bake it fresh, this recipe guarantees a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy every delicious bite of this cheesy, savory lasagna that’s simply irresistible.

EASY Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe