There’s something magical about the aroma of lasagna wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? Imagine layers of tender noodles, rich sauce, and gooey cheese melting together like they were meant to be. That’s the essence of our Million Dollar Lasagna—each bite feels like a culinary hug that warms your heart and soul. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an extravagant gathering with friends, this dish brings joy and satisfaction like no other.

I still remember the first time I made lasagna for my friends. I was a nervous wreck, armed with a recipe that looked more complicated than rocket science. But as I pulled my bubbling masterpiece out of the oven, their eyes lit up like kids in a candy store! The laughter, the compliments, and those cheesy strings when serving—it was a moment to remember. This Million Dollar Lasagna promises to deliver that same experience, so grab your spatula and let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Ingredients for Million Dollar Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lasagna Noodles: Opt for either traditional or no-boil noodles; both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Ground Beef: About 1 pound of lean ground beef will provide a flavorful base for the sauce; feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use about 15 ounces for creamy layers; look for whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Grab around 3 cups; this gooey goodness is essential for that melty topping.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar (about 24 ounces) will do the trick; choose your favorite brand or homemade version for added love.

For the Seasoning:

• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth; about a tablespoon should suffice.

For Assembly:

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is optional but adds freshness and color to your final dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this recipe

How to Make Million Dollar Lasagna

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a large baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until it’s cooked through. Drain any excess grease and add your dried Italian herbs along with salt and pepper for seasoning.

Step 3: Mix It Up

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of your mozzarella cheese. Stir in some salt and pepper too—don’t be shy; flavor is key here!

Step 4: Layer It Up

Start assembling by spreading some marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Lay down three noodles side by side, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over them. Top with meat sauce, more marinara sauce, and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used.

Step 5: Final Touches

Finish off with a final layer of noodles topped generously with marinara sauce and all remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Remove the foil after baking time is up and let your lasagna bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve hot from the oven! Transfer slices onto plates with a drizzle of fresh parsley over each serving for that gourmet touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the ground beef first for that rich flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing your cheesy sauce. Layer everything together and pop it in the oven. This sequence keeps things efficient, ensuring your Million Dollar Lasagna is perfectly delicious every time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella, and don’t forget to spice it up with herbs like basil or oregano. Make this lasagna truly yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store your lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply cover it with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This method keeps it moist and delicious!

Sometimes, I whip up this Million Dollar Lasagna when friends come over, and their praises always remind me why I love cooking so much. It’s a crowd-pleaser that sparks joy!

FAQs:

What makes Million Dollar Lasagna special?

Million Dollar Lasagna stands out with its luxurious layers and rich flavors. Unlike traditional recipes, this version uses a blend of creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and a zesty marinara sauce. The combination of fresh herbs and spices elevates the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser. Its decadent taste and hearty texture create an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Can I make Million Dollar Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Million Dollar Lasagna in advance! Assemble the lasagna up to a day before you plan to bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pop it into the oven. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I use instead of animal-derived gelatin in Million Dollar Lasagna?

For this recipe, you can use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or pectin if needed. However, typically lasagna does not require gelatin; the cheese and sauce provide sufficient structure. If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, consider using cornstarch mixed with water or simply reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a concentrated flavor.

How do I store leftovers of Million Dollar Lasagna?

To store leftovers of Million Dollar Lasagna, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion for Million Dollar Lasagna:

Million Dollar Lasagna is a sumptuous dish that combines layers of creamy ricotta, flavorful ground beef, and aromatic marinara sauce. Its rich taste makes it a perfect choice for gatherings or family dinners. You can prepare this lasagna ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors even more as they meld together. With easy ingredient substitutions available, creating this delectable meal is accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

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Million Dollar Lasagna

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that brings layers of flavor and warmth to your table. With tender noodles, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this easy-to-make dish will impress family and friends alike. Perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, each bite offers a delightful experience that feels like a culinary hug. Dive into this delicious adventure and savor the rich flavors!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and mix in dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Assemble by spreading marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer three noodles side-by-side, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, more marinara sauce, and some mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used.
5. Finish with a layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Customize by using ground turkey or adding spinach for added nutrition. Allow cooked lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.