Name: Maggiano's Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 12 lasagna noodles; 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Lasagna is one of those dishes that just feels like home, doesn’t it? There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a big, cheesy, saucy serving of this Italian comfort food. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, lasagna never disappoints. And when it comes to creating the perfect lasagna, there’s no better inspiration than Maggiano’s! Their version is rich, hearty, and filled with layers of meaty goodness and creamy cheese that will make your taste buds sing.

Today, I’m excited to share with you an absolutely mouthwatering recipe for Maggiano’s Lasagna. It’s the kind of dish that’ll leave you going back for seconds (and maybe thirds)! This recipe has all the traditional flavors you love: a savory meat sauce, a creamy ricotta cheese filling, and layers of tender lasagna noodles. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to put together, even if you’ve never made lasagna from scratch before.

Let’s dive in and start making this classic lasagna that will make your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria. I promise, your family will be asking for this dish again and again.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

The first thing you need to do is get that rich, flavorful meat sauce going. The secret to a great lasagna is a sauce that’s simmered low and slow to allow all the ingredients to blend together into a delicious, savory masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need to start:

Ingredients for the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions:

Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large pot over medium heat. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spoon so it’s nice and crumbled. Once the meat is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot.

Next, toss in the chopped onion and garlic, letting them sauté for a couple of minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This is where the magic happens, as the aroma fills your kitchen and gets you excited for what’s coming next.

Now, add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. This combination of tomatoes creates a thick, hearty base for your sauce, and the water helps balance out the texture. Stir everything together, then add in the sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. These herbs and spices will give the sauce its signature Italian flavor and the fennel seeds add a delightful, slightly sweet note.

Once everything is well mixed, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for about 1 1/2 hours. During this time, make sure to stir occasionally so the flavors can meld together beautifully. The longer the sauce simmers, the more intense the flavors will be. This slow-cooked sauce is key to bringing out that rich, comforting taste we all love in a good lasagna.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

While your sauce is simmering away and filling your home with its savory scent, you can prep the creamy cheese filling. This part of the lasagna is what makes each bite so rich and luscious. If you’ve ever had a lasagna with dry, bland ricotta, you’ll appreciate how a flavorful cheese filling transforms the dish.

Ingredients for the Cheese Filling:

16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix everything together until the filling is smooth and creamy. The egg helps bind everything together, giving the filling a slightly custardy texture once it bakes. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese.

This mixture is what will create those perfect layers of cheesy goodness in your lasagna. Set it aside while the meat sauce finishes cooking. By the time you’re ready to assemble the lasagna, the filling will be ready to go.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Now that your meat sauce and cheese filling are ready, it’s time to cook the lasagna noodles. This step is pretty straightforward, but here are a couple of tips to make sure your noodles come out perfectly:

Ingredients for the Lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Boil a large pot of salted water, and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente (firm to the bite) since they’ll soften further while baking in the lasagna. Once they’re cooked, drain them and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together.

Once the noodles are cool, set them aside, ready to be layered in the next step.

Assembling the Lasagna:

This is where things get fun! You’re about to build the ultimate lasagna with all the delicious layers.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. This forms the base of your lasagna and keeps the noodles from sticking.
Arrange 3 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce. Then, spread one-third of the ricotta cheese filling over the noodles.
Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta. Repeat this layering two more times until all your ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake Your Maggiano’s Lasagna to Golden Perfection

Now that your lasagna is beautifully layered, it’s time to bake this masterpiece to gooey, bubbly perfection. This is where all your hard work comes together, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked lasagna. Trust me, this is the part where everyone in the house will start wandering into the kitchen, eagerly waiting for that first slice.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) (if you haven’t already).
Before popping your lasagna into the oven, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Here’s a little pro tip: Spray the underside of the foil lightly with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheesy top layer of your lasagna. This simple trick ensures that when you remove the foil, all that glorious cheese stays exactly where it belongs—on your lasagna!

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes with the foil on. This initial baking time helps the layers cook evenly and meld together.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. This is your moment to let the magic happen! Bake the lasagna uncovered for another 25 minutes or until the top is a beautiful golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. That irresistible cheesy crust is what dreams are made of!

Step 5: Let the Lasagna Rest

Once you’ve pulled your lasagna out of the oven, the hardest part begins—waiting. Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before slicing into it. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but this resting period allows the layers to settle and firm up. Trust me, this patience will pay off when you cut into a perfectly layered slice without it falling apart.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Lasagna

Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Letting the lasagna cool is essential for clean, beautiful slices. Cutting into it too soon can lead to a runny mess (even though it’ll still taste amazing).
Customize Your Baking Dish: While the recipe calls for a 9×9-inch baking dish, you can use a larger dish for more servings. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Achieve That Golden Top: If you want an extra-crispy top layer, broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to avoid burning the cheese!
Double the Recipe for Later: Lasagna freezes beautifully! If you’re already making the effort, consider doubling the recipe and freezing one unbaked lasagna for a future busy night. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Serving and Storing Your Lasagna

When the resting period is up, it’s time to slice and serve. Pair your Maggiano’s Lasagna with a side salad and some warm garlic bread for a complete, comforting Italian meal. This dish also tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop further.

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigerator: Cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftover slices into an airtight container. Lasagna stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F, covered with foil, for about 40 minutes.

Reheating:

For the best results, reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover the lasagna with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

FAQ Section and Conclusion

By now, you should have a delicious, golden-brown Maggiano’s-style lasagna cooling on your counter, ready to be devoured. But before you dive in, let’s go through some of the most common questions people have when making lasagna at home. From ingredient swaps to troubleshooting, these answers will ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly every time.

Lasagna FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef and sausage?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey can be a great substitute. You might miss out on some of the richness that sausage provides, but you can easily compensate by adding a little extra seasoning (like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes) to keep the flavor profile robust. Ground chicken works too!

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian lasagna, skip the ground beef and sausage and use a variety of vegetables instead. Think mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and even eggplant. You can sauté these vegetables to release their moisture before layering them in your lasagna. Adding a bit of extra cheese or a rich tomato sauce will ensure you don’t lose out on flavor.

3. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, making lasagna ahead of time is one of its greatest perks! You can assemble the lasagna a day or two before and store it in the fridge, covered tightly. Then, when you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can assemble it and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to adjust your baking time when cooking from frozen—about 45-60 minutes at 375°F should do the trick.

4. What’s the secret to a great lasagna crust?

The secret to a crispy, cheesy top is two-fold: First, bake the lasagna uncovered during the final part of the cooking process. Second, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the very end to get that golden, bubbly crust. Just keep an eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfect to burned!

5. How can I avoid lasagna noodles from sticking together?

Once your lasagna noodles are cooked, don’t forget to rinse them under cold water immediately after draining. This will stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. If you’re stacking them, a light drizzle of olive oil can also help keep them separated.

6. Can I substitute store-bought tomato sauce for the crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought tomato sauce if you don’t want to use crushed tomatoes, but be mindful of the consistency. Crushed tomatoes give the sauce more body and a chunky texture. If you’re using tomato sauce, you might want to add a can of tomato paste to thicken it up a bit, or just simmer it for a longer period to help it thicken naturally.

7. How can I make the lasagna spicier?

If you love a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños or chili peppers. You can also use spicy sausage in place of regular Italian sausage for a nice kick!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Maggiano’s Lasagna

Making Maggiano’s lasagna at home is like bringing the heart of Italy into your own kitchen. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, celebrations, or even just a cozy night in. With its rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a comfort food classic that never disappoints. Plus, the best part is that it’s easier to make than you might think—especially when you have a foolproof recipe to guide you every step of the way.

So, why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re a lasagna-making pro or a beginner, I promise this version will make you feel like an Italian chef in your own home. Don’t forget to share your creations, variations, and thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding some fun twists—like swapping in different cheeses or making it vegetarian. But, no matter how you make it, this Maggiano’s-style lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.