Maggiano’s-Style Lasagna

This Maggiano’s-Style Lasagna is a rich, layered pasta dish filled with savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a flavorful marinara sauce. Inspired by the beloved restaurant classic, this homemade version is just as indulgent and comforting, perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian Flavor – Inspired by Maggiano’s famous lasagna.
• Layered & Cheesy – Packed with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Made from Scratch – A homemade marinara sauce for maximum flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
• Great for a Crowd – Serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for noodles)

Directions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns.
• Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
• Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

• In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

• Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread 1 cup meat sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer 3 lasagna noodles, followed by ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, 1 cup meat sauce, and ½ cup mozzarella.
• Repeat two more times, ending with noodles and the remaining sauce.
• Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake Until Golden

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.

6. Rest & Serve

• Let lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Version – Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Extra Cheesy – Add burrata or provolone between layers.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• No-Boil Noodles – Use no-boil noodles and increase sauce slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Yes! A mix of ground beef and sausage works great.

How do I prevent lasagna from being watery?

Simmer the sauce longer and drain ricotta if it’s too wet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese for lasagna?

Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and provolone create the perfect mix.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture.

How do I get clean slices?

Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

Can I use fresh lasagna sheets?

Yes! Reduce baking time by 10 minutes.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! Add ¼ cup red wine when browning the meat for depth.

What’s a good side dish for lasagna?

Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Conclusion

This Maggiano’s-Style Lasagna is rich, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or meal prep, this homemade lasagna is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!

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