The Ultimate Homemade Italian Comfort Food
Ready to bring a classic Italian-American dish to your dinner table? This Maggiano’s-style Lasagna is a mouthwatering, meaty, and cheesy masterpiece that’s easier than you think to make at home. Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into an Italian kitchen today!
Introduction
Lasagna has long been the gold standard of comfort food. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tender pasta come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug. This Maggiano’s Lasagna recipe is inspired by the beloved Italian-American restaurant chain, known for its hearty, flavorful takes on classic recipes.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a weekend dinner, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this lasagna has you covered. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and made from simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
Follow along as we walk you through how to create this restaurant-quality lasagna right in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed, Number of Servings, and Cooking Time
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan (optional, if making your own marinara)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife or bench scraper (for slicing servings)
Servings:
- Serves 8 to 10 people
Prep Time:
- 30 minutes
Bake Time:
- 40 minutes
Total Time:
- 1 hour 10 minutes (plus 10 minutes rest time)
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Layer:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Cheese:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, and minced garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 2: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine with the meat, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together and gives the sauce a thicker consistency.
Step 3: Prepare Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds richness and helps bind the lasagna layers.
Step 4: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer in this order:
- 3–4 lasagna noodles
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly
- Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella
- Spoon on meat sauce
Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce and mozzarella cheese on top. You’ll typically get 3 full layers.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning), and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes. This makes slicing easier and allows the layers to firm up slightly.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Use full-fat ricotta and mozzarella for the best creamy, melty texture.
- Cook noodles al dente, as they’ll soften further while baking.
- Drain the meat thoroughly after browning to avoid a watery lasagna.
- Let it rest before cutting to ensure clean layers when serving.
- Customize the flavor with a dash of red pepper flakes or fresh basil in the sauce for a kick of heat or brightness.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- Slice into thick squares and serve with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a restaurant-style meal.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- For a more elegant dinner, serve lasagna on a warmed plate with a drizzle of olive oil.
How to Store:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
- For longer storage, slice and wrap individual portions, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, but make sure your meat sauce has enough moisture, and cover the lasagna tightly with foil so the noodles can absorb the liquid and cook through properly.
2. Can I make this lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Bake it the next day, adding an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
3. Is it okay to substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, though ricotta has a creamier texture and a slightly richer flavor. If using cottage cheese, you might want to blend it first to achieve a smoother consistency.
4. What’s the best way to freeze lasagna?
You can freeze the entire pan (unbaked or baked) by wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Alternatively, slice the cooked lasagna into individual servings, wrap each tightly, and freeze.
5. How do I keep my lasagna from falling apart when cutting?
Letting it rest for at least 10 minutes after baking allows the layers to firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly without sliding apart.
Conclusion
This Maggiano’s Lasagna recipe brings together everything you love about classic Italian comfort food—rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a show-stopping dish for gatherings, holidays, or any night when only the coziest, heartiest dinner will do.
With a few basic tools and easy-to-find ingredients, you can recreate a restaurant-style favorite in your own kitchen. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
So go ahead—preheat that oven, layer up those ingredients, and enjoy a warm, cheesy slice of satisfaction that’s worthy of seconds (and thirds). Buon appetito!
