This Million Dollar Lasagna is everything you crave in a comfort food dish—indulgent, creamy, and filled with layers of rich cheeses, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles. Every bite tastes like a million bucks! It’s the ultimate hearty meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna is truly a crowd-pleaser. The combination of rich, creamy cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, along with a savory beef marinara sauce, creates the perfect layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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9 lasagna noodles
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup cottage cheese
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1 egg
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil for garnish
directions
Preheat the Oven and Cook the Noodles:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are softened.
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Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
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In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna:
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
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Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, and a layer of shredded mozzarella.
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Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of meat sauce.
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Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake:
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Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let Rest and Serve:
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Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: 480 kcal
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Skip the ground beef and use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty, veggie-filled lasagna.
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Add some spice: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving.
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Cheesy overload: Add a few extra layers of cheese (such as provolone or cheddar) to make this lasagna extra cheesy.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, this lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even fontina for a unique flavor.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in a slow cooker and cook it on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until it’s bubbly and cooked through.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Make sure to stir the noodles while they cook, and rinse them with cold water after draining to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes! Freeze the lasagna before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed the next day.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Lasagna is a perfect meal for any occasion—packed with creamy layers of cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna will always be a crowd favorite. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent, mouthwatering dish!
Print
Million Dollar Lasagna
Million Dollar Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of rich flavors. With tender lasagna noodles, savory beef marinara sauce, and a delicious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese, this indulgent dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special gathering, this lasagna will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven and Cook the Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Let Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
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Variations: Make it vegetarian by using roasted vegetables instead of ground beef. For extra cheese, add provolone or cheddar. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by covering with foil and baking at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
