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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Craft the robust meat sauce by gently sweating diced onions in a spacious pot until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly to release its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate Italian sausage and ground beef, browning the meat thoroughly and draining any accumulated fat.
- Enrich the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
- Season generously with sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered, developing complexity and concentrating its taste for approximately 1-1.5 hours while stirring periodically.
- Prepare the creamy ricotta mixture by blending ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until uniformly combined.
- Cook lasagna noodles until perfectly al dente, then carefully arrange them on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for baking.
- Establish a foundation in a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Construct layered architecture by alternating noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce in careful succession.
- Crown the lasagna with a final flourish of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- 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.
- Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 15 minutes, ensuring clean and precise serving.
- 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