Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Maggiano’s Little Italy, you know their lasagna is one of the stars of the menu. Rich, hearty, and loaded with layers of pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, it’s the ultimate comfort food. What’s better than enjoying a delicious homemade lasagna that tastes just like the one from the restaurant?

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe is just that – a classic Italian dish made from scratch that you can easily recreate at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this lasagna will surely impress.

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Meat Sauce:

450g ground beef
1 small onion (100g), finely chopped
3 cloves garlic (10g), minced
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 can (400g) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Ricotta Filling:

500g ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
250g shredded mozzarella cheese
100g grated Parmesan cheese

For the Lasagna:

12 lasagna noodles (250g), cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (250g)
100g grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, basil, parsley, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping.
Spread a generous layer of ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add a layer of meat sauce on top of the ricotta, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat this layering process for two more layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for the perfect meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g

(Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredient modifications.)

Tips and Tricks

1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. For a longer storage time, freeze the assembled lasagna for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

2. How to Freeze Leftovers

Let the lasagna cool completely, then cut into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

3. Make It Vegetarian

Swap the ground beef for vegetarian crumbles or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

4. Extra Flavor?

Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meat sauce or ricotta mixture for an added burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Maggiano’s Lasagna

✅ Layers of savory beef, cheese, and pasta
✅ Perfectly balanced flavor with a rich, homemade meat sauce
✅ Hearty, comforting, and great for family dinners
✅ Perfect for meal prepping, freezing, or leftovers