Lasagna Platter from Spaghetti Warehouse features layers of tender pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection and served as a hearty, comforting Italian classic.
Equipments
- Oven
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish (lasagna pan)
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 48 oz (1.4L) crushed tomatoes
- 12 oz (350g) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups (230g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (480g) ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh parsley (optional)
When preparing your lasagna, ensure you use both ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich, layered meat sauce. Fresh garlic and onions enhance the depth of flavor, while crushed tomatoes combined with tomato paste create a robust base for the sauce. Bechamel sauce made from butter, flour, and whole milk should be seasoned with a pinch of ground nutmeg to add warmth and complexity. Using a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses with eggs helps achieve the creamy, gooey texture characteristic of an authentic lasagna. Your homemade version of the Lasagna Platter from Spaghetti Warehouse will come close to the original Italian classic, replicating its hearty and comforting taste.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil lasagna noodles in large pot; drain and set aside.
- Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in large skillet until softened.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer 20–30 minutes.
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make roux; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk; cook until thickened.
- Add nutmeg and season with salt and pepper for bechamel sauce.
- In mixing bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, and 1 cup Parmesan.
- Spread thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish.
- Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, bechamel, and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers, ending with noodles, meat sauce, bechamel, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake 30 minutes.
- Remove foil; bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Substitution
Lasagna Platter from Spaghetti Warehouse copycat menu replicates the classic Italian dish with its layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and gooey mozzarella cheese. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for ground beef and Italian sausage to lighten the dish or accommodate dietary preferences. If whole milk is unavailable for the bechamel sauce, use 2% milk or a milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk, though the texture may slightly differ. Fresh herbs such as basil and oregano can replace dried versions to enhance aroma, but be sure to adjust quantities as fresh herbs are more potent. When boiling lasagna noodles, adding a bit of oil to the water helps prevent sticking, ensuring perfect layers in your assembled platter.
Tips
Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. When browning ground beef and Italian sausage, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy meat sauce that can affect texture and flavor. Whisk the bechamel sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Letting your lasagna rest before slicing allows it to set, making portions cleaner and easier to serve.
Nutritions
Your Lasagna Platter boasts a balanced blend of macronutrients, providing protein from ground beef, Italian sausage, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, essential for muscle repair and growth. The layered pasta noodles and tomato-based meat sauce contribute carbohydrates and dietary fiber, supporting energy levels and digestive health. Rich in calcium and vitamin D, the bechamel sauce made from whole milk, butter, and flour helps maintain bone strength. Your meal also delivers essential micronutrients such as vitamin A from butter and garlic's antioxidants, enhancing overall nutritional value.
Storage
Store your leftover lasagna platter in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal safety and flavor. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil, where they can keep well up to 3 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef and Italian sausage to create a lighter version of this classic lasagna. Using no-boil lasagna noodles will save time by skipping the pre-cooking step, while incorporating spinach or sauteed mushrooms into the ricotta mixture adds extra nutrients and flavors. For a richer flavor, replace whole milk with half-and-half in the bechamel sauce or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for the topping. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried to enhance your dish's aroma and freshness.
Allergies
The Lasagna Platter from Spaghetti Warehouse contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta cheese, butter, and whole milk. Your dish also includes wheat-based ingredients in the lasagna noodles and flour, which may affect those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Meat ingredients like ground beef and Italian sausage could cause sensitivity in individuals allergic to certain proteins or additives in processed meats.
Why this recipe?
The Lasagna Platter from Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant is praised for its rich layers of tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella cheese, delivering authentic Italian flavors in every bite. Its generous portion size and perfectly balanced tomato sauce make it a satisfying and comforting meal for pasta lovers. You can recreate this beloved dish at home to enjoy the same hearty taste and freshness, tailored to your preferences and dietary needs. Making a copycat version allows you to savor a restaurant favorite anytime while saving money.