Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe

The smell of garlic simmering in olive oil… it’s a scent that instantly transports me back to Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house. But let’s be real, with two little ones running around and a business to run, I don’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve been perfecting this Million Dollar Lasagna for years! It’s decadent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to throw together. I’ve made this lasagna dozens of times in my kitchen, tweaking it until it was just right. This recipe gives you all the flavor without all the fuss, guaranteeing a family-favorite lasagna that will make everyone feel like a million bucks. You’ll get a rich, cheesy lasagna that even the pickiest eaters will devour!

Why This Recipe Works

This Million Dollar Lasagna is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor and comes together faster than you might think. Here’s what makes it so great:

• Quick Assembly: Using no-boil noodles cuts down on prep time significantly.
• Kid-Approved: My kids devour this! The creamy cheese filling is a winner every time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this lasagna a day ahead and bake it when you’re ready.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! The quality of your ingredients really shines through in this lasagna.

• Ground Beef: I usually use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor, but you can use leaner beef or even ground turkey.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta will give you the creamiest results, but part-skim works too. Make sure you drain any excess liquid before using it.
• No-Boil Noodles: These are a game-changer! They save so much time. If you can’t find them, you can use regular lasagna noodles, just cook them according to package directions.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara. I love Rao’s, but any good quality sauce will do. You can also make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the Beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The smell alone is enough to get everyone excited for dinner!
3. Step 3: Simmer the Sauce. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This creamy mixture is what sets this lasagna apart.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, layer 3 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping if needed. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Repeat Layers. Repeat the layers: sauce, 3 noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7: Final Layer. Top with the final 3 noodles, remaining sauce, and the last cup of mozzarella cheese. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best results.
8. Step 8: Bake the Lasagna. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. The cheese should be a beautiful golden brown.
9. Step 9: Rest and Serve. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

Storage & Meal Prep

Lasagna is fantastic for meal prep! It stores well and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Storage: Let the lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick lunch.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to customize your Million Dollar Lasagna? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles. I’ve found that some brands work better than others, so read reviews before you buy!
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives. I haven’t personally tested this, but I’ve heard that cashew-based ricotta works well.
• Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
• Italian Sausage: Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assembling the lasagna ahead of time is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just add about 15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out hot. The top should be a beautiful golden brown.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Yes, you can. Just cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions before assembling the lasagna. Make sure not to overcook them, or they will be mushy.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the lasagna for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Is this lasagna kid-friendly?

Yes! My kids absolutely love this lasagna. The creamy cheese filling and mild sauce are a hit with even the pickiest eaters. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.

Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Of course! Adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Just sauté them before adding them to the lasagna.

This Million Dollar Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll give it a try and share your results in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out my other family-favorite recipes at FamiliesRecipes.com and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated with new and exciting dishes!

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