Name: Million Dollar Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor, can substitute with Italian sausage.); 1 small onion, finely chopped (Sweet onion recommended.); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is best.); 24 oz jar marinara sauce (Use your favorite brand or homemade.); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (Add extra basil or oregano if desired.); to taste Salt and pepper (For seasoning.); 16 oz ricotta cheese (Full-fat preferred.); 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (Shredding your own is recommended.); 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (For a nutty flavor.); 1 large egg (For texture.); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (Adds color and freshness.); 1 tsp garlic powder (For flavor.); 1 tsp onion powder (For flavor.); 12 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (No-boil noodles can be used.); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (For topping.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Lasagna That Stole My Heart: Million Dollar Lasagna

If you asked me for my most-requested comfort food dinner, hands down, it’s my Million Dollar Lasagna. The name alone makes my kids’ eyes light up, and let’s be honest—when I pull that bubbling, cheesy lasagna out of the oven, even my pickiest eater can’t resist sneaking a forkful straight from the dish (guilty as charged!). Lasagna is so much more than just noodles and cheese; for me, every layer brings back memories of Sunday dinners, laughter echoing in the kitchen, and everyone trying to sneak that coveted crispy corner piece. This Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for family, friends, or whenever you just need a big, cozy carb hug.

Why You’ll Adore This Million Dollar Lasagna

Here’s why my family is crazy about this Million Dollar Lasagna (and why it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation):

It’s pure comfort food: Think layers of ooey-gooey cheese, rich marinara-meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles (yes, it’s exactly as dreamy as it sounds).
Foolproof for beginners: No need to be a kitchen pro! The steps are simple, and I’ll walk you through every detail.
Crowd-pleaser central: Whether it’s holidays, potlucks, or ordinary Wednesdays, it always, always disappears.
Tastes even better the next day: Something magical happens overnight—the flavors marry, mingle, and get bolder. Leftovers are almost better (in my humble opinion).

Ingredients You’ll Need for Million Dollar Lasagna

Let’s break down what you’ll need—and I’ll sprinkle in a few tried-and-true tips:

1 lb ground beef – I like 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works if you prefer (or swap for Italian sausage!).
1 small onion, finely chopped – I always buy sweet onions for that mellow flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but pre-minced works if you’re in a pinch.
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand, or homemade for extra love.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning – Dried blends are great but toss in extra basil or oregano if you’ve got it.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Layers need seasoning!
16 oz ricotta cheese – Full-fat is creamiest, but part-skim works, too.
1 1⁄2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – I like to shred my own (but pre-shredded saves time).
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – For that nutty, salty bite.
1 egg – Gives our cheese layer the perfect texture.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder – For even more flavor in the cheese.
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained – I love the classic, but no-boil noodles work in a pinch.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping) – The more cheese, the merrier!

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

Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it:

Make the meat sauce: In a big skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft (your kitchen will smell incredible). Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors bloom, stirring now and then.
Mix up the cheese layer: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 1⁄2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper. Stir until it’s irresistibly creamy (this is the “million dollar” secret).
Assemble the layers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish. Spread a little meat sauce on the bottom (keeps noodles from sticking!). Lay out 4 noodles, then a third of the cheese mixture, then a third of the meat sauce. Repeat twice. End with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
Top with more cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over everything. This is when you know it’s going to be epic.
Bake, baby, bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, bake another 20 minutes, or until that cheesy top is golden and bubbly (I love a few crispy edges).
Rest and dig in: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes so the layers set (trust me, it’s worth the wait!). Then, slice and serve the Million Dollar Lasagna to all the hungry faces around your table.

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Million Dollar Lasagna Success

Season as you go: Taste your sauce and cheese mixture before assembling—the best lasagna is well-seasoned in every layer.
Let it rest: Seriously, set a timer for 10 minutes after baking. The layers will slice beautifully (and won’t slide all over your plate!).
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella sometimes has anti-caking powder, so shredding a block gives a dreamier melt.
Double up!: This recipe freezes like a champ. Make one for tonight, stash another (unbaked) for a busy week.
Fresh parsley, always: A sprinkle on top adds color and a hint of brightness—never underestimate the power of fresh herbs.

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

It’s fun to make this classic your own:

Vegetarian lasagna: Swap out the beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers (veggie lasagna lovers unite!).
Spinach & ricotta: Add a few handfuls of chopped fresh spinach to the cheese mix for extra greens.
Gluten-free?: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles (they work surprisingly well).
Cheese overload: Mix in provolone or fontina with your mozz for a cheesier twist.
Lower carb?: Try grilling thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant and use them in place of noodles.

How to Serve and Store Your Million Dollar Lasagna

Serving tips:

Let the lasagna rest 10 minutes for neat slices—this helps all those glorious layers stay together.
Pair with a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or just a fork and some extra Parmesan!

Storing leftovers:

Fridge: Cover well, and store slices in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, covered, at 350°F until hot.
Freezer: You can freeze either baked or unbaked lasagna—just wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking. (Makes a lifesaver meal for busy nights!)

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Million Dollar Lasagna Answered

1. Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge (just add a few extra minutes cooking time).

2. What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?
Oven is best—cover with foil and warm at 350°F until hot all the way through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be sure to cover with a damp paper towel for moisture.

3. Can I freeze Million Dollar Lasagna?
Yes! Wrap well and freeze before or after baking. Thaw before reheating or extending the baking time, if straight from freezer.

4. How do I keep my lasagna from being watery?
Drain your cooked noodles really well, simmer the sauce so it’s thick, and don’t skip resting time after baking.

5. Can I make this with no-boil noodles?
You bet! Just be sure your sauce is a little on the looser side to help them cook fully.

I hope you love this Million Dollar Lasagna as much as my family does. It’s pure, classic comfort—a big, cheesy, saucy hug in every bite. If you make it, let me know how it goes or if you try your own spin. Happy layering, and don’t forget to snag a corner piece for yourself!