Lasagna from Maggiano's Little Italy features layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection for a hearty and comforting Italian classic.
Equipments
- Oven
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 16 oz (450g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cups (16 oz/450g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Ensure you use a combination of both ground beef and Italian sausage to achieve the authentic savory flavor essential to Maggiano's Little Italy lasagna. Fresh garlic and onion sauteed in olive oil provide a rich base for the meat sauce, while the blend of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates depth and body in the sauce. When mixing ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, be gentle to maintain a creamy and smooth texture that will complement the layers. Use high-quality shredded mozzarella cheese for the best melting results and cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly during baking. Your lasagna from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu will come together perfectly when you carefully layer the noodles, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella for a classic Italian comfort dish.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion; sauté until soft.
- Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage; brown, breaking up meat.
- Drain excess fat from skillet.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and water.
- Simmer sauce for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Spread thin layer of meat sauce on bottom of 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange layer of cooked lasagna noodles over sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of ricotta mixture over noodles.
- Sprinkle 1/4 of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Add layer of meat sauce over cheese.
- Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce) two more times.
- Finish with last layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil; bake additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagna rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Lasagna from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu captures the rich blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and layers of cheese in a classic baked pasta dish. If you can't find Italian sausage, substituting it with ground pork mixed with fennel and garlic powder creates a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to maintain the hearty texture. Your ricotta mixture benefits from a beaten egg and Parmesan, but cottage cheese can be a substitute if ricotta is unavailable. Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish for the first half of baking to prevent excessive browning, then remove it to achieve a golden top.
Tips
Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from overcooking and becoming mushy during baking. Your meat sauce should simmer long enough for flavors to meld, about 20-30 minutes, while stirring occasionally to avoid burning. When layering, evenly distribute the ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese for a balanced taste and texture in each bite. Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking helps retain moisture, ensuring your lasagna stays tender before the final golden crust forms.
Nutritions
Lasagna from Maggiano's Little Italy provides a rich source of protein from ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. Its combination of tomatoes and herbs delivers antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A and C, which promote immune health. The pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, while olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Your meal balances macronutrients but can be high in sodium and saturated fats, so enjoy it as part of a varied diet.
Storage
Store your lasagna in an airtight container or tightly covered with aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate cooked lasagna for up to 3-4 days or freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months, making sure to label the date. When reheating, cover it with foil and warm in the oven at 350degF (175degC) until heated through for optimal texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option that still complements the rich tomato sauce. Incorporate sauteed spinach or mushrooms into the ricotta mixture for added nutrients and a flavorful twist. Replace part of the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese to create a more complex, gooey texture in your layers. For an extra creamy sauce, stir a bit of bechamel or heavy cream into the meat sauce before assembling your lasagna.
Allergies
Lasagna from Maggiano's Little Italy contains common allergens such as dairy from ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, and egg in the ricotta mixture. The presence of gluten in lasagna noodles may also pose a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You should carefully check each ingredient if you have allergies to dairy, eggs, or gluten to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Maggiano's Little Italy's lasagna menu is beloved for its rich layers of slow-simmered Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, creating an authentic Italian flavor experience. The fresh pasta sheets perfectly absorb the savory tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs, offering a balanced and hearty meal. You can recreate this dish at home using readily available ingredients to enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish that satisfies comfort food cravings. Making the copycat recipe allows you to customize the flavors and portions while capturing the same memorable taste that keeps diners coming back.