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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta with a fresh egg, introducing salt, cracked pepper, and finely chopped parsley until thoroughly combined.
- Cook lasagna noodles in rapidly boiling salted water following package instructions, then gently drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shield the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil, then bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become deliciously bubbly.
- 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