Maggiano’s Lasagna

This classic lasagna recipe captures all the warmth and flavor of traditional Italian cooking. With layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: A slow-simmered meat sauce brings rich, hearty flavor to every bite.
• Creamy Layers: Ricotta and mozzarella cheeses create a creamy and indulgent texture.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serves a crowd and can be prepared in advance.
• Customizable: Add vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
• Classic Comfort Food: A timeless dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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) 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

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

For the Lasagna

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

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until well browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Cover and simmer for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture on the noodles. Top with one-third of the mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the layers two more times, starting with meat sauce and ending with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
3. Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 9 servings
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat sauce with marinara sauce and add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a touch of heat.
• Cheese Swap: Use provolone or asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a celiac-friendly dish.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can. Just ensure there’s enough sauce to soften the noodles during baking.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinse cooked noodles with cold water and toss them lightly with olive oil.

3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in lasagna.

4. How do I prevent the top layer of cheese from burning?

Cover the lasagna with foil for the first half of baking, then remove the foil to brown the cheese.

5. Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are excellent additions.

6. What’s the purpose of the sugar in the sauce?

The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.

7. Can I make this lasagna in advance?

Yes, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

8. Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes, freeze slices of lasagna in airtight containers for quick and convenient meals.

9. How do I ensure my lasagna layers stay intact when slicing?

Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set.

10. What’s the best way to serve lasagna?

Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian meal.

Conclusion

Maggiano’s Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this hearty dish is guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe for a classic Italian favorite that everyone will love!

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