Easy Maggianos Style Lasagna Recipe: A Homemade Classic

Layers of rich, velvety cheese melt into a harmonious blend in this maggianos style lasagna that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Each forkful carries the warmth of traditional Italian cooking with robust flavors dancing across your palate.

Tender pasta sheets nestle between generous portions of seasoned ground beef and a luxurious tomato sauce.

The recipe whispers memories of cozy family dinners and hearty meals shared around the table.

Aromatic herbs and perfectly balanced seasonings transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella create a decadent texture that elevates every single bite.

You’ll savor each mouthwatering layer, knowing this lasagna brings restaurant-quality goodness right to your kitchen.

Why Maggiano’s Style Lasagna Feels Like Home

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Dive into a classic Italian-American dish that brings warmth and happiness to the dinner table, perfect for satisfying hungry families and gathering friends.
• Masterful Flavor Layering: Experience a rich, complex sauce simmered with multiple herbs and spices, creating depth and complexity that elevates this lasagna beyond ordinary recipes.
• Customizable Cooking Adventure: Adapt the recipe easily by switching meats, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables to make it uniquely yours while maintaining the delicious core technique.
• Restaurant-Quality Home Cooking: Recreate a beloved restaurant-style lasagna in your own kitchen, impressing loved ones with professional-level culinary skills without requiring advanced cooking expertise.

What Goes Into a Cheesy Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Ground Beef: Hearty and rich protein for the sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Adds deep, spicy flavor to the meat sauce.
• Onion: Classic aromatic vegetable for building flavor.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent base notes.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Thick and tangy base for the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor enhancer.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth liquid component for the sauce.
• Water: Helps blend and thin the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Basil, Fennel Seeds, Italian Seasoning, Parsley: Herb blend for authentic Italian taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for depth.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta for layering.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, smooth filling base.
• Egg: Binds the cheese mixture together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty finishing touch.

How to Make Layered Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meaty Base

In a spacious pot over medium heat, sizzle the ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic until they turn a rich, golden brown.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the sauce lean and flavorful.

Step 2: Build the Robust Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Water

Stir these ingredients into the browned meat mixture, creating a deep, complex sauce base.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatic Spices

• Sugar
• Basil
• Fennel seeds
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley

Sprinkle in these magical spices to transform the sauce into a flavor-packed masterpiece.

Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the herbs and spices to dance and meld together.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese with egg, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth and well-combined.

This will create a luxurious filling that adds richness to the lasagna.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot following package instructions.

Once done, drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Layer with Love

Warm up the oven to 375°F.

• Spread a cup of meaty sauce on the bottom
• Lay down lasagna noodles
• Spread ricotta mixture
• Sprinkle mozzarella
• Dust with Parmesan

Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a generous topping of cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil (lightly sprayed to prevent sticking).

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce bubbles with excitement.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes.

This magical waiting period allows the layers to set and makes slicing a breeze.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Lasagna

• Let the sauce simmer longer for deeper, richer taste. Slow cooking allows herbs and spices to fully blend, creating a more complex and delicious sauce.
• Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before mixing. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a firmer, less runny lasagna.
• Spread each layer evenly and gently to avoid creating air pockets. Use a spatula to distribute sauce, cheese, and noodles uniformly for consistent texture in every bite.
• Try using no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. These noodles absorb moisture from the sauce during baking, eliminating the need for pre-cooking and reducing kitchen prep work.
• Mix different types of cheese like provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a more complex and interesting flavor profile. Experiment with cheese combinations to personalize the dish.

Reheating and Keeping Lasagna Fresh

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place portions in shallow containers to cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Stir halfway through heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, reheat directly from frozen by increasing baking time to 45-60 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.

Great Dishes to Serve With Lasagna

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Choose a robust Italian red like Chianti Classico or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat sauce and cuts through the lasagna's creamy cheese layers.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve a crisp Italian Pinot Grigio for guests who prefer white wine, offering a light and clean contrast to the hearty dish.
• Complementary Side Salad: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Classic Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful meat sauce and complete the Italian dining experience.

Creative Layers for Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

• Vegetarian Spinach Lasagna: Replace ground beef and sausage with layers of sautéed spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Lasagna: Swap traditional pasta noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the classic lasagna texture.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Lasagna: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew ricotta and nutritional yeast, incorporating roasted eggplant and Mediterranean herbs for a rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Lasagna: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower layers, using a higher protein meat sauce and replacing traditional cheeses with full-fat options to create a low-carb, high-fat version of the classic dish.

FAQs

• Why do I need to drain excess fat after browning the meat?

Draining fat prevents the lasagna from becoming greasy and helps concentrate the rich meat sauce flavors.

• Can I substitute the meats in the recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage, but the flavor profile will be slightly different from the original recipe.

• How do I prevent the ricotta cheese from being watery?

Pat the ricotta cheese with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing with eggs and seasonings to ensure a firmer cheese layer.

• Why should I let the lasagna rest before serving?

Resting allows the layers to set and stabilize, making it easier to cut clean slices and preventing the lasagna from falling apart when served.

Maggianos Style Lasagna Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Maggiano’s style lasagna brings layers of rich, authentic Italian flavors right to your dinner table. Hearty pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese create a comforting meal that will transport you to a classic Italian kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cans (28 ounces or 794 grams each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces or 170 grams) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring all meats are thoroughly cooked and excess fat is drained.
2. Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a splash of water, creating a rich base for the lasagna.
3. Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
4. Simmer the sauce uncovered for approximately 90 minutes, stirring periodically to develop deep, complex flavors and achieve a thick, luxurious consistency.
5. Prepare the creamy cheese filling by combining ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley in a mixing bowl, blending until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, then carefully drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and maintain optimal texture.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface.
8. Create the first layer by spreading a generous cup of meat sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Arrange lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom layer.
10. Distribute one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles, followed by a layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
11. Repeat the layering process two more times, alternating between meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the sauce begins to bubble enthusiastically.
14. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes for cleaner, more precise serving.

Notes

• Customize meat blend by mixing ground beef with ground pork or veal for deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Let meat sauce simmer longer than recipe suggests to intensify tomato and herb complexity, creating more robust taste.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more vibrant, authentic Italian restaurant-style lasagna experience.
• Salt lasagna noodles during boiling to enhance their natural wheat flavor and prevent bland texture.
• Drain ricotta cheese using cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, ensuring firmer, less watery cheese layers.
• Grate your own Parmesan cheese for superior melting and more intense nutty undertones compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Rest lasagna for precise 15-20 minutes after baking to help layers stabilize and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 786 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg