15-Layer Lasagna from Spaghetti Warehouse features rich layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese, tender pasta sheets, and savory Italian herbs, all baked to golden perfection for a hearty, comforting Italian classic.
Equipments
- Large stockpot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 15x10 inch baking dish (lasagna pan)
- Aluminum foil
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Colander
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 box (16 oz/450g) lasagna noodles
- 4 cups (950ml) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (475g) ricotta cheese
- 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the 15-Layer Lasagna from Spaghetti Warehouse copycat menu, ensure your ground beef is well-seasoned and cooked before layering to enhance the dish's rich flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil contribute significantly to the authentic Italian taste, so use them if possible instead of dried varieties. Properly draining and slightly undercooking the lasagna noodles helps maintain the ideal texture after baking. You should whisk the eggs into the ricotta cheese thoroughly to achieve a creamy and smooth layer. This meticulous preparation ensures your lasagna layers blend harmoniously, replicating the classic comfort of the original Spaghetti Warehouse recipe.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Drizzle cooked noodles with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Finely chop onion and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef to skillet; cook until browned.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add 2 cups marinara sauce to meat mixture; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, basil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Grate mozzarella and Parmesan cheese if needed.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the lasagna pan.
- Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over sauce.
- Spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture over noodles.
- Add a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over meat sauce.
- Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan) until 15 layers are completed, ending with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
- Cover lasagna pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil; bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven; let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Substitution
The 15-Layer Lasagna from Spaghetti Warehouse copycat recipe allows flexibility in ingredient substitutions depending on what you have available or dietary preferences. You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. If fresh herbs like parsley or basil are not accessible, dried versions can be used, though reduce quantities to avoid overpowering the dish. When ricotta cheese is unavailable, cottage cheese blended with a little cream can serve as a suitable substitute to maintain creaminess. Your choice of marinara sauce quality significantly impacts flavor, so opting for homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce enhances the overall taste.
Tips
Ensure your lasagna noodles are well-drained and lightly coated with olive oil to prevent sticking and tearing during layering. Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil to enhance the ricotta mixture's flavor, balancing the rich cheese and meat sauce. When assembling, evenly distribute the layers to create a uniform and stable structure for optimal baking and serving. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking so your slice holds together nicely and the flavors meld.
Nutritions
Your 15-Layer Lasagna from Spaghetti Warehouse provides a rich blend of macronutrients, with approximately 40 grams of protein from the ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses per serving. The dish contains complex carbohydrates from the pasta noodles, balanced by fiber and antioxidants from fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Healthy fats are contributed by olive oil and cheeses, while the marinara sauce adds essential vitamins A and C from tomatoes. This hearty meal offers a satisfying balance of nutrients, making it both flavorful and nourishing.
Storage
Store your leftover 15-Layer Lasagna in an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, reheating thoroughly before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage to vary the flavor and reduce fat content. Replace traditional ricotta with cottage cheese blended with a little Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative. For a vegetarian option, layer sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini in place of meat while keeping the marinara and cheese layers. Adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce during simmering enhances depth and richness in your lasagna.
Allergies
This 15-Layer Lasagna contains common allergens such as dairy, found in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, which could trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Eggs are another potential allergen present in the recipe, used as a binding agent with the ricotta mixture. If you have allergies or sensitivities, be cautious of these ingredients when enjoying this hearty Italian dish.
Why this recipe?
The 15-Layer Lasagna from Spaghetti Warehouse is loved for its rich combination of seasoned ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and perfectly layered pasta sheets that deliver a hearty and satisfying meal. Its complex layering creates a depth of flavors and textures that make each bite indulgent and memorable. You will find that attempting a copycat recipe allows you to customize ingredients to your preference while recreating the iconic taste that keeps fans coming back. Making this lasagna at home is worth the effort for those who crave a comforting, restaurant-quality Italian classic.