Million Dollar Lasagna is a hearty, layered casserole that lives up to its name with its rich, indulgent flavors. This recipe takes the classic comfort of traditional lasagna and elevates it with a creamy cheese layer made from a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream. Paired with savory ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, every bite delivers a perfect balance of creaminess and bold, satisfying taste. It’s the kind of dish that feels decadent yet approachable, making it a favorite for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.
What sets Million Dollar Lasagna apart is its ability to feed a crowd while still tasting like a homemade labor of love. The layers bake together into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that’s just as delicious served fresh out of the oven as it is reheated the next day. Its make-ahead and freezer-friendly qualities make it a practical option for busy households, while its indulgent flavors ensure it’s always a hit at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, this lasagna guarantees a truly “million-dollar” experience.
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna
Layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and pasta baked to golden perfection—a decadent comfort-food classic.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the cheese layers:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
Other ingredients:
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, no-boil noodles or cooked as package directs)
- Extra shredded mozzarella & Parmesan for topping (1/2 cup each)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the meat sauce
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Prepare the cheese mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, parsley, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3–4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over noodles.
- Top with ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers twice more, ending with a final layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake
- Cover with foil (tent foil to prevent cheese sticking) and bake 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Rest & serve
- Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set for clean servings.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese layer for extra veggies.
- Use Italian sausage instead of beef for more flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pan)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
