Cozy Homemade Maggianos Lasagna Recipe for Pasta Night

Layers of cheesy goodness and rich meaty lasagna create a mouthwatering symphony that transports you straight to an authentic Italian kitchen.

This classic Maggiano’s lasagna recipe captures the essence of hearty comfort food with its robust flavors and tender pasta sheets.

Generations of home cooks have cherished similar recipes passed down through families.

The secret lies in selecting premium ingredients and taking time to build complex layers of taste.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef mingles with velvety ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and traditional Italian-American cuisine.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to experience a restaurant-quality lasagna that will become a treasured meal in your home.

FAQs

• Why do I need to brown the meat before adding the sauce?

Browning the meat caramelizes its surface, creating deeper, richer flavors that enhance the overall taste of the lasagna. This step helps develop a more complex and savory sauce.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef and sausage with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure you’re getting a good balance of flavor and browning the meat thoroughly.

• How do I know if my ricotta mixture is well combined?

Mix the ricotta with egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and there are no visible lumps. The mixture should have a creamy, consistent texture that spreads easily when layering the lasagna.

• Is it important to let the lasagna rest after baking?

Yes, letting the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat, clean slices. During this time, the layers will firm up and the flavors will continue to meld together.

Why Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe Is A Favorite

• Discover the Joy of This Lasagna
• The slow-simmered sauce develops deep, rich flavors through patient cooking, allowing each ingredient to blend perfectly and create a mouth-watering experience.
• Assembling this lasagna is straightforward and foolproof, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The step-by-step process ensures even novice chefs can create a restaurant-quality dish.
• This classic lasagna delivers ultimate comfort food that appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents. Its hearty layers and cheesy goodness guarantee clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend dinners, this recipe scales easily and looks impressive when served. Guests will be delighted by the professional-looking presentation and incredible taste.

Everything You Need For Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the lasagna.
• Beef Sausage: Provides additional depth and a more complex meat taste to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Essential for creating a robust and authentic Italian-style sauce.
• Water: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances overall sauce flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth filling with a mild, soft texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and provides structure.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Offer melty, stretchy, and sharp cheese layers that add richness and depth.

• Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and a fresh herbal note to the lasagna.

• Lasagna Noodles: The foundational layer that holds all the delicious ingredients together.

Steps To Make Maggiano’s Lasagna At Home

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Grab a large pot and cook ground beef and beef sausage over medium heat until beautifully browned.

Drain excess fat completely.

• Tomato components
• Water
• Sugar
• Seasonings

Simmer the sauce for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasonings near the end for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Ricotta Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly but don’t overmix.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles following package instructions.

Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Spread noodles flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Layer The Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Start with sauce layer in baking dish.

• Noodles
• Ricotta mixture
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

Finish with generous cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with cooking spray-coated foil.

Bake 25 minutes covered.

Uncover and bake additional 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Rest lasagna 15 minutes before serving for best texture.

Top Tips For Maggiano’s Lasagna Lovers

• Brown beef and sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste that infuses the entire lasagna with deliciousness.
• Simmer sauce slowly and patiently to allow ingredients to meld together, creating a more robust and complex flavor profile.
• Rinse cooked lasagna noodles with cold water and lay them flat to prevent sticking, ensuring perfect texture and easier assembly.
• Create even layers of noodles, ricotta, and cheeses to guarantee a balanced bite in every serving, distributing flavors uniformly throughout the dish.
• Allow lasagna to cool for 15 minutes after baking, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.

How To Store And Reheat Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove lasagna from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Cut desired portion, place on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot and reaches 165°F.

What To Eat With Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty lasagna flavor with its balanced acidity and robust character.
• Cheese Board Companion: Create a small appetizer board with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, mild provolone, and fresh mozzarella to enhance the lasagna's cheesy profile and provide a delightful pre-meal nibble.
• Crisp Salad Contrast: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to cut through the lasagna's heaviness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

Other Styles Of Maggiano’s Lasagna You Can Try

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and beef sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for depth and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use thin zucchini or eggplant slices instead of pasta noodles. Increase cheese and meat portions while reducing tomato sauce to maintain keto macronutrient ratios. Select full-fat cheeses and consider adding heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
• Mediterranean Inspired Lasagna: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by adding kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil. Replace traditional ground beef with ground lamb or turkey for a regional twist.