If you love comfort food and are looking for something that will wow your family and friends, this Million Dollar Lasagna is your new go-to! With layers of creamy ricotta cheese, savory beef, and melty mozzarella, this lasagna is truly fit for royalty. It’s indulgent, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite. You might just feel like you’ve struck gold with this one.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Lasagna

Rich and Creamy: The combination of ricotta cheese and creamy béchamel sauce makes this lasagna one of the creamiest and most decadent dishes you’ll ever try.
Perfectly Layered: Every bite is a bite of lasagna perfection, with juicy beef, gooey cheese, and savory tomato sauce in each satisfying forkful.
Crowd-Pleasing: This lasagna is guaranteed to impress! Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or feeding a crowd, this dish never fails to please.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: Despite its rich flavor, the recipe is easy to put together. It’s an elevated, gourmet dish made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily make this lasagna ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Million Dollar Lasagna isn’t just any lasagna—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of deliciousness. Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this dish so special:

Ground Beef: The base for this hearty lasagna, ground beef provides rich, savory flavor. You can use ground turkey or sausage for a lighter or spicier option.
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy ricotta cheese gives this lasagna a smooth, luxurious texture and a slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory beef.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella creates that glorious cheesy pull we all love in lasagna.
Parmesan Cheese: This salty, nutty cheese adds depth of flavor and makes the lasagna even more indulgent.
Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce ties everything together with its tangy tomato base, infusing the lasagna with bold flavors.
Eggs: These help bind the ricotta cheese and give it a firmer, smooth consistency.
Heavy Cream: The key ingredient for the creamy béchamel sauce that makes this lasagna “million-dollar” worthy.
Béchamel Sauce Ingredients: Butter, flour, and milk come together to create a rich, velvety sauce that elevates the lasagna’s creamy texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, flavorful base that complements the richness of the sauce and cheeses.
Onion: Sweet onions add depth and balance to the savory beef mixture.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil): These seasonings bring out the best in the tomato sauce and the beef mixture, ensuring the lasagna is flavorful from top to bottom.

(Note: The full measurements for each ingredient are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making this Million Dollar Lasagna is a straightforward process, but the results are nothing short of amazing! Let’s get started:

Prepare the Beef Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make the Béchamel Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, then add the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, followed by a layer of the beef sauce. Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles, beef sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle the béchamel sauce over the final layer of cheese.
Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve & Enjoy:
Slice into the lasagna and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450 kcal

(Please note: the nutritional information provided is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and serving sizes. It can vary depending on specific brands or ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Million Dollar Lasagna

Million Dollar Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great ideas for sides to round out your dinner:

Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with classic garlic bread, perfect for mopping up that delicious sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini add color and flavor that complements the lasagna perfectly.
Italian Red Wine: A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, would pair wonderfully with this hearty, flavorful dish.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing: This lasagna freezes beautifully! After baking, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F.
Meat Variations: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. You can also make this vegetarian by using sautéed vegetables or meat alternatives in place of the ground beef.
Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, swap it for cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A1: Yes, no-boil noodles work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to add enough sauce to fully hydrate the noodles as they bake.

Q2: Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
A2: Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze this lasagna before baking?
A4: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it from frozen for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Q5: Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
A5: You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute for heavy cream, but the lasagna will be a little less creamy.

Q6: What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
A6: You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables to the lasagna?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Q8: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time and freeze it?
A8: Yes, this lasagna freezes wonderfully. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q9: What can I serve alongside this lasagna?
A9: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are all great choices to serve alongside Million Dollar Lasagna.

Q10: Can I make a vegetarian version of this lasagna?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a variety of vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian lasagna.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Lasagna is truly worth its name—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a comforting weeknight meal. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers the next day, this lasagna will quickly become a favorite in your home. You’ve struck gold with this recipe!