Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe – Comfort Food

Introduction

If you’re searching for an irresistibly delicious lasagna recipe that’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a blend of five cheeses, this lasagna is pure comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or special occasion, this crazy good lasagna will impress everyone at the table.

Inspired by the famous Maggiano’s lasagna, this recipe is simple to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. If you’re looking for a baked lasagna recipe with ricotta that’s hearty, cheesy, and truly indulgent, you’ve found it!

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Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe

• Rich & Flavorful Meat Sauce – Made with ground beef, sausage, and aromatic herbs.
• Creamy Ricotta Layer – Adds a luscious, creamy texture.
• Five Cheese Blend – A combination of cheeses for maximum flavor.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.
• Easy to Make – Simple steps for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients for Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Here’s everything you need to make this crazy good lasagna:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Ricotta Layer:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Five Cheese Blend:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Romano cheese

For Assembly:

• 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for sauce
• Mixing bowl for ricotta mixture
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Maggiano’s Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add the onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer 3-4 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add a layer of meat sauce, followed by a generous layer of the five cheese blend.
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and topping with shredded mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and creates a creamier texture.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the lasagna to cool helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Add Fresh Herbs – Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce – Add a bit of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta – Oven-ready noodles work best for this recipe.
• Skipping the Resting Time – This helps the layers set and prevents a messy presentation.
• Not Draining Excess Fat – Draining fat from the meat prevents a greasy sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Lasagna – Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna – Add extra layers of cheese like Gouda or Provolone.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Healthier Version – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.

Serving Suggestions

This crazy good lasagna pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread for a classic combination.
• Caesar salad for a fresh, crisp side.
• Steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How to Store & Reheat Lasagna

Storing:

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing:

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option.

3. How do I make this recipe extra cheesy?

Add extra layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, or additional cheeses between the layers.

4. What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

Drain excess fat from the meat and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing.

Conclusion

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe is the perfect combination of rich flavors, creamy layers, and hearty comfort. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday feast, this crazy good lasagna will be a hit every time. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have a classic lasagna recipe that everyone will love.

Try this baked lasagna recipe with ricotta today and enjoy a delicious taste of comfort! If you love this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and subscribe for more classic Italian recipes! 😊

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