Name: Million Dollar Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (Use 80/20 for a juicy, rich sauce or substitute with Italian sausage.); 1 small onion, finely chopped (Yellow or white onions for subtle sweetness.); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic for the best flavor.); 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (Choose a robust brand with basil and garlic.); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (Dried seasoning is best; mix of basil, oregano, and thyme can be used.); Salt and pepper, to taste (Essential for seasoning.); 16 oz ricotta cheese (Whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.); 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (For the layers in the lasagna.); 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Adds a salty flavor.); 1 whole egg (Binds the cheese mixture.); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (Brightens the dish.); 1 tsp garlic powder (For a flavor boost.); 1 tsp onion powder (For additional flavor.); 12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (Use classic or oven-ready noodles.); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (For the topping.)

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The Coziest Night-In: Million Dollar Lasagna Magic

Do you remember the kinds of meals that stop you in your tracks and make the whole house smell like a warm hug? For me, a pan of bubbling Million Dollar Lasagna is exactly that kind of dinner. This classic comfort food has always felt like a little celebration—no matter the reason or the season.

I first made Million Dollar Lasagna one snowy evening when my best friend was coming over after a tough week. As the layers of cheesy, saucy goodness baked away, the kitchen filled with aromas that practically promised everything would be okay. We laughed over generous portions, stealing seconds and wiping plates clean. To this day, whenever I make classic lasagna, I think of that night—how food can turn an ordinary Tuesday into something pretty special.

If you’ve been searching for the creamiest, most crave-worthy homemade lasagna recipe—one that’s easy enough for a weeknight but tastes like you splurged—you’ll love this Million Dollar Lasagna as much as I do.

Why You’ll Adore This Million Dollar Lasagna

There’s just something about a traditional lasagna that feels like pure comfort. Here’s why this one should top your list:

Ultra-Creamy Layers: Thanks to the ultra-rich ricotta, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, and plenty of Parmesan, every bite is luxuriously cheesy (in all the right ways).
Hearty & Satisfying: The savory meat sauce, loaded with ground beef, onion, and garlic, feels like the cozy home-cooked meal you crave after a long day.
Simple Steps, Big Flavor: Don’t be fooled by the “million dollar” title—this homemade lasagna comes together with easy-to-find ingredients and foolproof steps.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or want lots of leftovers for easy lunches (or midnight snacks—we all do it!), this recipe makes enough to go around.
Crowd-Pleasing Nostalgia: One bite, and you’re right back at grandma’s table… or reliving those cozy Sunday suppers with the people you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Million Dollar Lasagna

Let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what to grab—and a few tips to help you get the most flavor from each layer.

1 lb ground beef: I like to use 80/20 for a juicy, rich sauce. Feel free to sub with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Yellow or white onions bring subtle sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh beats jarred here for that authentic Italian depth.
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: Pick your favorite—go for a robust one with lots of basil and garlic.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Dried is perfect, or use a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme if you’ve got them.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t be shy—these simple seasonings make all the difference.
16 oz ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta makes things extra creamy (yum!).
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: For gooey, stretchy layers inside.
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds salty-good flavor, so don’t skip it.
1 egg: Binds the cheese mixture for picture-perfect layers.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs brighten up all those cozy flavors.
1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder: For a little flavor boost.
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: Go classic, or try oven-ready noodles if you’re in a pinch.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Nothing beats that bubbly, golden crust on top.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Million Dollar Lasagna

I promise—lasagna doesn’t have to be intimidating! Here’s exactly how I make my favorite homemade lasagna, with a few of my favorite little tips along the way.

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Brown your ground beef in a big skillet over medium heat. Drain any extra fat (I sometimes sneak in a splash of red wine here, especially if I’m feeling fancy). Toss in your chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic (and the house-filling aroma) happens!

2. Make the Cheese Mixture
Grab a medium bowl and mix together the ricotta, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It should look creamy and irresistible—try not to steal too many spoonfuls before it makes it into the lasagna.

3. Assemble Your Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish (no one wants to chisel lasagna bits out of a pan). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom—this keeps your noodles from sticking.

Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, then a third of the ricotta mixture, and a third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat with second and third layers, finishing with a hefty layer of meat sauce on top.

4. Add the Mozzarella Topping
Cover everything with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella. Don’t be shy—more cheese means more golden, melty goodness!

5. Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden (this is my favorite part—worth every minute of patience).

6. Cool and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. I know it’s hard to wait, but it makes all the layers hold together!

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Million Dollar Lasagna Success

Here are the little touches that have made my classic lasagna recipe foolproof over the years (and have turned me into my family’s go-to “lasagna maker”):

Let it Rest: Giving your homemade lasagna just 10 minutes out of the oven helps it slice into beautiful pieces (and saves your plate from a melty cheese landslide).
Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, takes the depth up a notch.
Even Layers: Don’t worry about getting every layer “perfect.” Use the back of your spoon to spread the cheese mixture evenly—rustic is part of the charm!
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of extra parsley or basil before serving adds a pop of color and that restaurant-worthy finish.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercook (al dente) your noodles since they’ll keep cooking in the oven (no one likes mushy lasagna noodles).
Classic Lasagna, Easy Clean-Up: Line your baking pan with parchment if you’re worried about sticking—or just soak the dish as soon as everyone’s had seconds.

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

One of the best things about Million Dollar Lasagna is how easy it is to customize, so don’t be afraid to tweak it!

Veggie-Loaded Lasagna: Swap half the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to up the veggie power (and appeal to vegetarians).
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles—there are great options these days that don’t sacrifice texture.
No Ricotta? Cottage cheese makes a great substitute in a pinch. I’ve even used mascarpone when I wanted it a little richer.
Spicy Twist: Add Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey in place of beef, and part-skim cheeses to lighten things up.

How to Serve and Store Your Million Dollar Lasagna

Now the best part—digging in! I love serving classic lasagna with:

A fresh green salad (think crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette)
Garlic bread (because you need something to mop up that dreamy sauce)
A little extra Parmesan and extra chopped parsley, if you want to get fancy.

Leftovers? Even better! Keep slices of your homemade lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices (cover with a damp paper towel to keep the cheese nice and moist), or warm the whole pan in a low oven (cover with foil so it doesn’t dry out).

You can also freeze cooked lasagna—wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When a comfort food craving hits, you’ll be minutes away from serving up crowd-pleasing Million Dollar Lasagna!

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Million Dollar Lasagna Answered

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temp while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.

What’s the best way to slice homemade lasagna?
Letting your lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes is the best trick for clean slices (that perfect “stacked” look). Use a sharp knife and a spatula to lift each piece.

Can I make this lasagna without meat?
You bet! Just swap the ground beef for more veggies (like mushrooms, spinach,