Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

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Maggiano’s Style Lasagna is more than just a dinner—it’s a savory experience that brings the warmth of an Italian-American kitchen straight to your table. With its bold layers of seasoned meat sauce, rich ricotta filling, and perfectly baked pasta, this dish offers comfort in every cheesy, saucy bite. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family meal or planning a cozy dinner with friends, this lasagna will steal the show.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The beefy tomato sauce is deeply savory, the ricotta mixture is creamy and light, and the golden cheese topping delivers a satisfying finish. It channels the soul of a restaurant-quality meal, but you can make it right at home with love and just the right tools.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into layering your Maggiano’s Style Lasagna, it helps to have all your tools and equipment ready. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is essential for browning the meat and simmering the sauce. A deep pan ensures no splashes and plenty of room for flavor-building.
• Mixing Bowls: At least two medium to large bowls are useful for prepping the ricotta filling and keeping your grated cheeses organized.
• Lasagna Pan (9×13 baking dish): The hero of the process. This is where all the magic happens. A sturdy, deep dish helps with even cooking and prevents messy overflows.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Crucial for stirring sauces and spreading ingredients into smooth layers.
• Foil & Baking Sheet: Covering the dish during baking keeps moisture in, while a baking sheet catches any drips for an easy clean-up.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: Once cooled, use one of these for clean, photo-worthy slices of lasagna.

With your tools in place and prepped ingredients at the ready, you’re set to create a lasagna that could rival any trattoria plate.

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Ingredients for the Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

Every component in this lasagna plays a vital role, layering both flavor and texture for that restaurant-style comfort.

• Ground Beef (85/15 blend) – Offers a rich, meaty base with enough fat to develop flavor without becoming greasy.
• Italian Sausage (mild or sweet) – Adds complexity and seasoning to the meat sauce, infusing each bite with savory depth.
• Yellow Onion – Finely chopped and sautéed, it forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic boosts the flavor of the tomato sauce and enhances the meat.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Acts as the hearty base of the red sauce, providing body and tang.
• Tomato Paste – Deepens the tomato flavor, adding a richer, concentrated note.
• Italian Seasoning & Fresh Basil – These herbs bring brightness and earthy warmth to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer evenly.
• Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and smooth, it’s the signature filling layer that balances the acidity of the sauce.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta layer so it sets beautifully when baked.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) – For that stretchy, golden topping and gooey layers in between.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated) – Adds sharp, salty depth and crisps beautifully on top.
• Lasagna Noodles (oven-ready or boiled) – The structural backbone, holding everything together in tasty tiers.

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How To Make the Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Simmer the sauce on low for 20–25 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of noodles. Add a layer of ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, then repeat the process until the dish is full, ending with meat sauce and a generous top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This ensures clean pieces and helps the layers set.

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How to Serve and Store Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

This lasagna isn’t just a dinner—it’s a meal worth gathering around. Serve it hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for color and aroma. A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes the perfect companion for soaking up the extra sauce. Want to elevate it even more? A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a side of roasted vegetables will do the trick.

For storing leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before transferring slices to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil) until warmed through. For freezing, wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?

Make sure to simmer your meat sauce long enough so it reduces and thickens. Also, allow the lasagna to rest after baking—this helps it firm up.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can fully assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.

Is it okay to use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. For a smoother texture, blend it slightly before mixing with the egg and seasonings.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a meat-free crumble. The layering steps remain the same.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper for neat layers.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Use two 9×13 pans or a deeper roasting pan if feeding a crowd. Just ensure even layering and check the center for doneness.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Maggiano’s Style Lasagna, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting pasta creations:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a veggie-packed twist.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole when you’re craving rich and creamy layers.
• Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for a cozy, savory skillet dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini if you love garlic-forward sauces.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for sweet and savory pasta bliss.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick to the classic or add your own twist? Maybe extra garlic or a spicy sausage?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Ask questions too—let’s keep the cooking conversation going!

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