Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish cherished for its rich, layered flavors. It brings together tender pasta sheets, savory meats, creamy cheeses, and a robust tomato sauce for a comforting and indulgent meal. Maggiano’s Little Italy, a well-known Italian-American restaurant, is famous for its signature lasagna, which features a perfectly balanced combination of meaty sauce, smooth ricotta, and melty mozzarella. This homemade recipe captures the essence of Maggiano’s lasagna, allowing you to enjoy the authentic flavors of an Italian-American classic right from your own kitchen.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Maggiano’s Lasagna

Step 1: Making the Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or mild)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz (800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz (425g) can tomato sauce
• 6 oz (170g) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Brown for 8-10 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
5. Pour in beef broth and add sugar, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water.
7. Once the sauce is well blended, remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Mixture

Ingredients:

• 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
2. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Mix until smooth and well blended. This will be the creamy layer in your lasagna.

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Step 3: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

Instructions:

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Salt the boiling water for extra flavor.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
4. Lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel.

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Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
3. Arrange 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
5. Add a layer of meat sauce, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layers twice more: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella.
7. Finish with a final layer of noodles, topped with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

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Step 5: Baking the Lasagna

Instructions:

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

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Step 6: Resting and Serving the Lasagna

Instructions:

1. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the layers to set.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
3. Slice into portions and serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

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Tips for the Perfect Lasagna

• Balance the Sauce: Use enough sauce to coat the layers without making the dish too watery.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Let it Rest: Resting the lasagna before serving helps keep the layers intact.

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Variations of Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the meat with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• White Lasagna: Use a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce with chicken or seafood.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for heat.
• Four-Cheese Lasagna: Add provolone, Gouda, or fontina for extra cheesiness.

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Side Dishes to Serve with Maggiano’s Lasagna

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A light and refreshing side to balance the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy contrast with broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• Italian Antipasto: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for a flavorful starter.

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Conclusion

Maggiano’s lasagna is a timeless Italian-American comfort food, loved for its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese. This homemade version delivers the same delicious flavors as the restaurant, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a hearty and satisfying meal that will become a household favorite!