Baked Lasagna from Old Spaghetti Factory features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, topped with a golden-brown crust that delivers a comforting and hearty Italian classic.
Equipments
- Oven
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Ground beef and Italian sausage should be fresh and well-drained to prevent excess grease in your meat sauce. Using high-quality crushed tomatoes and tomato paste can significantly enhance the depth of flavor, while fresh garlic and onion provide a robust aromatic base. Be precise with dried herbs like basil and oregano, as they are key to replicating the classic Italian taste. Your ricotta mixture benefits from the addition of a large egg and Parmesan cheese for creaminess and binding. The Baked Lasagna from Old Spaghetti Factory copycat menu is designed to bring you a rich, layered dish that captures the comforting essence of this beloved Italian classic.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil lasagna noodles in a large pot until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar; simmer for 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Grate mozzarella cheese, if not pre-shredded.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over ricotta.
- Add 1/3 of the meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce).
- Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Baked Lasagna from Old Spaghetti Factory copycat menu can be customized by swapping ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to reduce fat content or accommodate dietary preferences. If you lack ricotta cheese, cottage cheese blended until smooth is a suitable substitute that maintains the creamy texture. Using no-boil lasagna noodles can save preparation time and simplify the layering process without compromising texture. You can cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Remember to allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to ensure easier slicing and better flavor absorption.
Tips
Make sure to boil the lasagna noodles until they are just al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy after baking. When browning the ground beef and Italian sausage, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce that can affect the texture and flavor. Be careful to cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from burning. Allowing your lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes slicing easier, ensuring a neat presentation.
Nutritions
Baked Lasagna from Old Spaghetti Factory offers a balanced source of macronutrients, including protein from ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, supporting muscle repair and growth. The dish provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin A from the cheeses, essential for bone health and vision respectively. Tomatoes in the sauce contribute antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Your serving of this hearty lasagna will also supply carbohydrates from the noodles, fueling your body with energy for daily activities.
Storage
Store leftover baked lasagna in an airtight container or cover tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate your lasagna within two hours of cooking and consume it within 3 to 4 days to ensure food safety. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers and thaw thoroughly before reheating in the oven to preserve the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining protein levels. Use no-boil lasagna noodles to streamline prep time and reduce cleanup. Incorporate spinach or sauteed mushrooms into the ricotta mixture to increase vegetable intake and add depth of flavor. You can replace fresh parsley with basil or oregano for a different herbal note in your dish.
Allergies
Your Baked Lasagna from Old Spaghetti Factory contains common allergens such as dairy from ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, as well as eggs in the ricotta mixture. The presence of wheat-based lasagna noodles also poses a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Ground beef and Italian sausage may cause reactions in individuals sensitive to meat proteins or preservatives.
Why this recipe?
The Baked Lasagna from Old Spaghetti Factory offers rich layers of melted cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, delivering an authentic Italian comfort food experience. Its balanced blend of flavors and hearty portion size appeals to those seeking both taste and satisfaction in one dish. You can replicate this iconic recipe at home to enjoy the same indulgent flavors while customizing ingredients to suit dietary preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to savor this beloved menu item anytime without waiting for a restaurant visit.