Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish known for its rich layers of flavor, combining pasta, meats, cheeses, and a robust tomato sauce. Maggiano’s Little Italy, a popular Italian-American restaurant, is famous for its comforting and indulgent lasagna. Their recipe features a perfectly balanced blend of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked between tender pasta sheets. This lasagna recipe aims to capture the essence of Maggiano’s lasagna, giving you the experience of an authentic Italian-American meal at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maggiano’s Lasagna

Step 1: Making the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meats:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook the meats until browned, breaking them up into small pieces as they cook. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
   • Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Tomato Ingredients:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Season the Sauce:
   • Add the beef broth, sugar, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust:
   • After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
   • Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the Ricotta Cheese:
   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
   • Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. This cheesy layer will provide a creamy texture to the lasagna.

Step 3: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles:
   • Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite).
   • Be sure to salt the water generously to give the noodles extra flavor.
2. Drain and Rinse:
   • Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
   • Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Layer the Meat Sauce:
   • Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan and adds extra moisture to the dish.
3. First Layer of Noodles:
   • Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, arranging them side by side, slightly overlapping if necessary.
4. Cheese Layer:
   • Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
5. Meat Sauce Layer:
   • Spoon another layer of meat sauce over the ricotta cheese, using about 1/3 of the sauce.
6. Repeat the Layers:
   • Repeat the process with two more layers: noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
   • Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles on top.
7. Top with Cheese:
   • Spread the remaining meat sauce on top of the final layer of noodles.
   • Sprinkle the top generously with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Baking the Lasagna

1. Cover with Foil:
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap moisture and ensures the lasagna stays tender and doesn’t dry out while baking.
2. Bake:
   • Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, covered.
3. Uncover and Bake Again:
   • After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. This allows the cheese on top to become golden and bubbly.
4. Broil (Optional):
   • If you want a crispy, browned cheese layer, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Resting and Serving the Lasagna

1. Rest:
   • Once the lasagna is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the lasagna with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The bright green parsley adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
3. Slice and Enjoy:
   • Slice the lasagna into squares and serve hot. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna

1. Balance the Sauce: A good lasagna has a perfect balance of meat sauce and cheese. Too much sauce can make the lasagna soggy, while too little can make it dry. Use enough sauce to coat the layers without drowning them.
2. Cook Noodles Al Dente: Cooking the lasagna noodles al dente ensures they hold up during baking and don’t become mushy. If you’re using no-boil noodles, ensure there’s enough moisture in the sauce for them to cook properly.
3. Make it Ahead: Lasagna can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it before baking for a quick meal later.
4. Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Variations of Maggiano’s Lasagna

1. Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce made from zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also add a layer of sautéed spinach for extra greens.
2. White Lasagna: Instead of a tomato-based meat sauce, use a béchamel sauce or Alfredo sauce with layers of chicken or seafood, such as shrimp or crab. This creamy version is a decadent alternative.
3. Spicy Lasagna: Add a kick to your lasagna by using spicy Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha over the top for extra heat.
4. Four-Cheese Lasagna: For cheese lovers, increase the cheese content by adding more varieties like provolone, Gouda, and fontina to the ricotta mixture.

Side Dishes to Serve with Maggiano’s Lasagna

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to lasagna. It’s great for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.
2. Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese adds a refreshing balance to the rich lasagna.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve your lasagna with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy, flavorful contrast.
4. Italian Antipasto: A plate of Italian antipasto with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for a great starter before the lasagna.

Conclusion

Maggiano’s lasagna is a classic Italian-American comfort food that never fails to impress. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, it’s a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This homemade version brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors of Maggiano’s lasagna at home. Follow this step-by-step recipe for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Yield: 8-10

Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Print

Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish known for its rich layers of flavor, combining pasta, meats, cheeses, and a robust tomato sauce. Maggiano's Little Italy, a popular Italian-American restaurant, is famous for its comforting and indulgent lasagna. Their recipe features a perfectly balanced blend of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked between tender pasta sheets. This lasagna recipe aims to capture the essence of Maggiano’s lasagna, giving you the experience of an authentic Italian-American meal at home.

- Advertisement -

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or mild)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz (800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz (425g) can tomato sauce
• 6 oz (170g) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Ricotta Mixture:
• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Lasagna Layers:
• 12-15 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, sugar, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside on a baking sheet, laying them flat to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
• Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture.
• Spread another layer of meat sauce over the ricotta, and then sprinkle with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until you’ve used all the ingredients. The final layer should be a generous topping of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna:

• Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Let it Rest:

• Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

• Noodle Shortcut: You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Just make sure your sauce is a bit saucier since they absorb more liquid.
• Vegetarian Option: You can replace the ground meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Make Ahead: This lasagna can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.