Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe: Heartwarming Italian Comfort Food

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Maggiano’s lasagna recipe that promises to transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Layers of rich flavors dance between perfectly cooked pasta sheets and robust meat sauce.

Homemade goodness radiates from every carefully assembled slice of this classic dish.

Generations of family traditions seem to whisper through the delicate balance of herbs and cheese.

Precise ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of taste that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table.

Let this incredible recipe become your new weekend cooking adventure.

Why You’ll Crave Maggiano’s Lasagna Layers

Savor Homemade Comfort: Maggianos Lasagna Delights

• Quick Family Feast: A hearty lasagna that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special moments, with simple steps anyone can master in under 2 hours.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: Delivers authentic Italian flavors without complex techniques, bringing Maggiano's signature richness directly to your kitchen with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Meal Prep Magic: Perfect for preparing ahead, this lasagna freezes beautifully and reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious make-ahead meal solutions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Impresses guests and satisfies large gatherings effortlessly, offering generous portions that guarantee second helpings and delighted smiles around the dinner table.

Maggiano’s Lasagna Ingredients

• Italian Sausage, Ground Beef: Hearty base for rich meat sauce, adds deep flavor and protein. Choose fresh, high-quality ground meats with good fat content for maximum taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese providing smooth texture and richness. Select whole milk ricotta for better consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates golden cheese layer. Fresh or pre-shredded options work well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to cheese mixture and topping. Freshly grated recommended for best flavor.
• Egg: Binds ricotta mixture, adds structure and richness.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Primary sauce base with robust tomato flavor. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens tomato flavor in sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds smooth consistency to meat sauce.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base for meat sauce. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor to sauce. Fresh garlic recommended.

• Dried Basil: Adds classic Italian herb flavor to sauce.
• Dried Oregano: Complements basil with earthy herb notes.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and added brightness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.

• Red Wine: Enhances sauce complexity and depth.

• Sugar: Balances acidity of tomatoes.
• Lasagna Noodles: Structural base of the dish. Regular or no-boil options available.

Maggiano’s Lasagna Baking Directions

Step 1: Simmer a Rich Meat Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onions until soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Toss in Italian sausage and ground beef

Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and sauce, red wine (optional)

Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Mix a Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture is creamy, seasoned, and evenly combined.

Step 3: Prep the Pasta Sheets

Boil lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until just tender.

Drain and lay the noodles flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Start layering in this order: Pasta sheets, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce

Repeat the layers, finishing with pasta topped by the remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to help it set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finish.

Serve warm with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and comforting meal.

Lasagna Tips for Maggiano’s Style

• Remove excess fat from browned meats to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients when mixing ricotta to create a smoother, more evenly distributed cheese layer that integrates beautifully with other components.
• Spread sauce and cheese mixtures evenly to guarantee consistent taste and texture in every single bite of the lasagna.
• Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and make cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
• If skipping red wine, substitute with beef broth to maintain depth of flavor in the meat sauce without altering the overall richness of the dish.

Maggiano’s Lasagna Storage Tips

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between cycles, until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

Sides That Fit Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Pair with Red Wine Symphony: Choose a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty lasagna flavors and cut through the creamy cheese.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad Contrast: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness and provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint.
• Serve Classic Garlic Bread Companion: Craft warm, buttery garlic bread with crushed herbs to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Enhance with Crisp White Beverage: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio to offer a refreshing palate cleanser and lighten the intensity of the hearty lasagna layers.

Maggiano’s Lasagna With Homemade Takes

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, spinach, and bell peppers. Use plant-based ground meat substitute or extra mushrooms for protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional wheat lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of pasta noodles. Replace high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower ricotta and reduced-sugar tomato sauce.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free mozzarella. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of traditional dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add pancetta or ground veal for extra flavor.

• Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

• How can I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?

To avoid excess moisture, drain browned meat thoroughly, use high-quality ricotta, and let the meat sauce simmer until it thickens. You can also pat the lasagna noodles dry before layering.

• Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. If freezing after baking, cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Maggianos Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Layers of rich, comforting Maggiano’s lasagna promise a mouthwatering journey through classic Italian-American cuisine. Hearty beef, creamy cheeses, and perfectly seasoned sauce create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 ounces / 170 grams each) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce

Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 12 lasagna noodles
• Additional 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft the robust meat sauce by gently sweating diced onions in a spacious pot until they turn translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly to release its aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate Italian sausage and ground beef, browning the meat thoroughly and draining any accumulated fat.
4. Enrich the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
5. Season generously with sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered, developing complexity and concentrating its taste for approximately 1-1.5 hours while stirring periodically.
7. Prepare the creamy ricotta mixture by blending ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until uniformly combined.
8. Cook lasagna noodles until perfectly al dente, then carefully arrange them on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for baking.
10. Establish a foundation in a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce.
11. Construct layered architecture by alternating noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce in careful succession.
12. Crown the lasagna with a final flourish of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
13. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
14. Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 15 minutes, ensuring clean and precise serving.
15. Embellish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and serve alongside garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a rich, robust sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Let the meat sauce simmer low and slow, allowing flavors to develop and intensify, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use fresh herbs if possible, as they’ll elevate the overall flavor and bring a brighter, more vibrant dimension to the classic lasagna.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef, and use part-skim ricotta to reduce calories without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg