Lasagne from Carrabba's Italian Grill features layers of rich ricotta, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection with a bubbly, flavorful crust.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 9 lasagne noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ground beef should be cooked until browned and drained to remove excess fat, enhancing the overall flavor of your lasagne. Using fresh garlic and onion will add depth to the marinara sauce, which should be well-seasoned with salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley for an authentic taste. Make sure to cook lasagne noodles until al dente before layering to avoid a mushy texture in the final dish. Mixing the ricotta cheese with an egg helps the cheese set properly during baking, creating a creamy consistency. Your lasagne from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu will achieve its signature rich and savory flavor by carefully balancing these ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook lasagne noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to skillet; cook until browned.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Season ricotta mixture with salt and black pepper.
- Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer lasagne noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over ricotta layer.
- Repeat layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagne rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Lasagne from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu combines layers of ricotta, ground beef, marinara, and mozzarella baked to a golden crust. If fresh lasagne noodles are unavailable, no-boil noodles offer a convenient alternative that saves soaking time. You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for beef to vary flavor and fat content. Using pre-made marinara sauce can simplify preparation without compromising taste. Ensure the baking dish is well-oiled to prevent sticking and cover with aluminum foil during baking to keep moisture locked in.
Tips
Make sure to boil the lasagne noodles until just al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Use a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to keep the noodles moist and prevent sticking. When layering, evenly spread the ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese to ensure every bite is flavorful and creamy. Your lasagne will benefit greatly from resting after baking, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to slice cleanly.
Nutritions
Lasagne from Carrabba's Italian Grill provides a hearty source of protein from the ground beef and ricotta cheese, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The dish also offers calcium and vitamin D from the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, essential for bone health. Tomatoes in the marinara sauce contribute antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce inflammation. You can enjoy a balanced meal with a combination of carbohydrates from the lasagne noodles and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Storage
Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. You can also tightly wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating to keep moisture locked in. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers, ensuring you label them with the date to consume within 2-3 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile and leaner option. To enhance the sauce, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara during simmering for a richer taste. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Using no-boil lasagne noodles can save time by skipping the boiling step altogether.
Allergies
Lasagne from Carrabba's Italian Grill contains common allergens such as dairy from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, and eggs used in the binding mixture. The dish also includes wheat in the lasagne noodles, which may trigger gluten allergies or sensitivities. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to check with the restaurant before consuming this lasagne.
Why this recipe?
Carrabba's Italian Grill Lasagne menu is celebrated for its rich layers of savory Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese blended with robust marinara sauce, delivering authentic Italian flavors. The perfectly seasoned meat and creamy cheeses create a balanced texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite satisfying. You can recreate this classic dish at home to experience Carrabba's distinctive taste while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to savor restaurant-quality lasagne anytime, enhancing your cooking skills with award-winning flavors.