Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Million Dollar Lasagna is a decadent, creamy, and cheesy take on the classic lasagna we all know and love. It's packed with layers of rich cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a family favorite for any occasion. The secret to its name is the special blend of cheeses and creamy ingredients that take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant.

4. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.

5. While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.

6. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set them aside.

7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

8. Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture.

9. Repeat the process with the meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.

10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

11. Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

12. Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite vegetables for a veggie-packed version.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sausage to the meat sauce for an extra kick.

• Different Cheeses: Try adding provolone, gouda, or even cream cheese for a unique twist on the cheese layers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then bake it when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?

Absolutely! This lasagna freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

3. Can I substitute ricotta cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.

4. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles will work in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions, and add extra sauce if necessary to ensure the noodles cook through.

5. How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?

Ensure your meat sauce is thickened properly by simmering it long enough to reduce excess liquid. Additionally, draining the lasagna noodles well after cooking can help prevent water from pooling in the dish.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef and will still taste delicious in this recipe.

7. What type of marinara sauce should I use?

Any jarred marinara sauce will work, but for the best flavor, look for one with simple, high-quality ingredients or make your own from scratch.

8. How can I make the lasagna even cheesier?

To make your lasagna extra cheesy, add more layers of mozzarella or a mix of other cheeses like cheddar or fontina between the noodles and sauce.

9. Is this lasagna gluten-free?

No, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensuring your marinara sauce does not contain gluten.

10. Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce or layering them in between the noodles will add extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is the perfect dish for anyone craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal. With its rich layers of cheese and savory meat sauce, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.