Quick & Cozy Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe for Family Dinner Delight

Layers of rich, hearty goodness define this Maggiano’s lasagna recipe that brings Italian restaurant magic straight to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic comfort dish for decades.

Tender pasta sheets nestle between robust meat sauce and creamy cheese blends that melt in your mouth.

Every bite tells a story of traditional Italian cooking techniques passed down through time.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and allowing flavors to develop slowly and carefully.

Authentic seasonings and careful layering transform simple components into an extraordinary meal.

This lasagna promises to become a cherished favorite at your dinner table.

Maggiano’s Lasagna – Reasons to Try

• Dive into a classic Italian dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families with its rich, layered goodness.
• Create restaurant-quality lasagna in your own kitchen, impressing loved ones with authentic taste and impressive presentation.
• Prepare components ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings without last-minute stress.
• Adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or add personal twists, making this recipe a versatile crowd-winner for various palates.

Maggiano’s Lasagna – Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich meats that provide deep flavor and hearty texture to the lasagna sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall savory profile of the meat sauce.

• Tomatoes: Provides the classic tangy and sweet base for the traditional Italian-style lasagna sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley: Classic seasonings that add depth and traditional Italian seasoning to the sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese, Egg: Creamy mixture that creates a smooth, rich layering between pasta sheets.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melting cheeses that add stretch, golden color, and sharp flavor to the lasagna.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic wide pasta sheets that form the structural layers of the classic Italian casserole.

Tools for Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meats and simmering rich sauce.
• 9×9 baking dish: Ideal for creating those delicious lasagna layers.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining cheese mixture and preparing ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and meats.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover lasagna during initial baking.

Making Maggiano’s Lasagna at Home

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce

Sizzle ground beef and ground pork in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance together until the meat turns a rich golden brown.

Drain any excess fat, then pour in crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep flavors for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Smooth ricotta cheese
• Beaten egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes light and uniform.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Sheets

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions.

Once cooked, carefully drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Lay the noodles flat to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create First Lasagna Layer

Spread a generous layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.

Carefully place lasagna noodles to cover the sauce completely.

Step 5: Build Delicious Layers

• Ricotta cheese mixture
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan
• Meat sauce

Repeat the layering process two more times, creating a tower of deliciousness.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil.

Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Final Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that promises incredible flavor.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Tips for Authentic Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Remove fatty residue from browned meats to create a lighter, less greasy lasagna that tastes cleaner and healthier.
• Chop fresh parsley right before mixing into ricotta for maximum aromatic intensity and brighter taste profile.
• Slightly undercook pasta before layering, as noodles will continue absorbing sauce during baking, ensuring perfectly tender texture.
• Distribute mozzarella and parmesan evenly across each layer to guarantee consistent melting and rich, creamy bites throughout the dish.
• Allow lasagna to sit 15 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting cleaner, more precise servings possible.

Maggiano’s Lasagna – Fun Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground meats with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of meat sauce for a lighter, healthier option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free lasagna noodles made from rice or corn. Ensure all other ingredients like seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta layers with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Use low-fat cheeses and reduce overall cheese quantity for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace ricotta with tofu or cashew-based cheese. Use dairy-free mozzarella and skip parmesan, or use nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor.

Serving Maggiano’s Lasagna with Flair

• Delightful Dinner Pairing: Serve with a crisp caesar salad and warm garlic bread to complement the rich lasagna flavors.
• Fresh Side Kick: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish.
• Wine Companion: Pour a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the tomato and meat sauce notes.
• Dessert Finale: Complete the meal with a classic tiramisu or simple vanilla gelato for a sweet Italian-inspired ending.

Storage Details for Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What makes the meat sauce special?

The sauce is slowly simmered for 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors of browned meat, onions, garlic, and seasonings to deeply meld together, creating a rich and complex taste.

• Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

• Is it important to drain the meat after browning?

Absolutely. Draining the browned meat helps remove excess fat, which prevents the lasagna from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more concentrated meat flavor.

Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Maggiano’s lasagna brings layers of rich, hearty flavors from classic Italian cooking traditions. Robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheeses create a comforting meal that delights diners seeking authentic Italian-American cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage

Tomato Base:

• 2 cans (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Pasta:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces (454 grams) mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust meat sauce by sautéing ground meats with aromatic onions and minced garlic, carefully draining excess fat. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and traditional Italian seasonings, then allow the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for approximately 90 minutes.
2. Prepare the creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta with a fresh egg, introducing salt, cracked pepper, and finely chopped parsley until thoroughly combined.
3. Cook lasagna noodles in rapidly boiling salted water following package instructions, then gently drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.
4. Establish a flavorful foundation in a 9×9 baking dish by spreading a generous layer of meat sauce across the bottom, creating a protective base.
5. Construct distinctive layers by arranging lasagna noodles to completely cover the sauce, then methodically distribute ricotta mixture, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously across each layer, repeating the process two additional times.
6. Shield the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil, then bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become deliciously bubbly.
8. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to stabilize and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef and Italian sausage for a more flavorful meat base that reduces excess grease.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the sauce’s complexity beyond standard seasonings.
• Slightly undercook pasta noodles during initial boiling to prevent mushiness when baking, as they’ll continue cooking in the lasagna.
• Ensure ricotta mixture is well-blended to create smooth, consistent layers that distribute evenly throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg