This Million Dollar Lasagna is seriously THE BEST lasagna we’ve ever eaten!!! SO easy to make and tastes like a million bucks.
Lasagna noodles, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Serve with some garlic bread and a salad.
Can make in advance and refrigerate. Freeze leftovers for later. We LOVE this lasagna casserole recipe!!!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
For the Cheese Mixture:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the Lasagna:
12 lasagna noodles (boiled and drained)
1-2 tbsp olive oil (to prevent sticking on noodles)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, parsley, and garlic powder.
Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish (9×13), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer with 3 lasagna noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and a layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the process, layering noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread!
This lasagna is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for a special meal or gathering.
To store Million Dollar Lasagna, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, reheat refrigerated lasagna in the oven at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes or microwave individual slices until warmed through.
If reheating from frozen, bake at 375°F for about an hour, covered with foil, then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes to restore the cheesy, golden top.
For a fun twist on Million Dollar Lasagna, try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor.
You can also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini between the layers for a veggie-packed version.
If you prefer a creamier texture, blend cottage cheese with ricotta in the cheese mixture.
For a quicker option, use oven-ready lasagna noodles instead of boiling traditional ones.
To prevent a runny lasagna, let it rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Lastly, for a crispy, cheesy top, broil the lasagna for a few minutes after baking until golden brown.
The nutritional content of Million Dollar Lasagna varies based on portion size and ingredient choices, but a typical serving (about 1/8 of a 9×13-inch pan) contains approximately 450–600 calories.
Each serving is rich in protein, providing around 25–30 grams from the ground beef, cheese, and eggs.
Carbohydrates range from 40–50 grams due to the pasta and tomato sauce, while the fat content is around 20–30 grams, primarily from the cheese and meat.
To lighten it up, consider using lean ground turkey, part-skim ricotta, and whole wheat or oven-ready noodles.
Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini can boost fiber and nutrients while maintaining the dish’s delicious flavor.