If you’re searching for an easy lasagna recipe that tastes like it came straight out of your favorite Italian restaurant, you’ve found it. This Maggiano’s-inspired lasagna delivers everything you crave in a comforting Italian meal layers of tender noodles, rich meaty tomato sauce, and a luscious ricotta filling melted together under a golden crust of bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan.
Perfect for family comfort food nights, easy weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meal prep, this hearty lasagna recipe brings all the warmth and satisfaction of dining at Maggiano’s right into your own kitchen. Every bite combines the robust flavor of slow-simmered sauce with the creamy indulgence of cheese, creating a dish that’s both budget-friendly and impressively gourmet.
Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family dinner or preparing meal prep recipes for the week, this lasagna is the kind of simple family recipe everyone asks for seconds of.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Italian Flavor: Inspired by Maggiano’s signature lasagna, it’s packed with rich tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for easy reheating. Great for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Feeds a crowd using affordable, easy-to-find ingredients ideal for large families or dinner parties.
- Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple steps and clear layers make this one of the best easy dinner recipes for beginners.
- Family Comfort Food: A warm, cheesy, and hearty dish everyone will love, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian versions with a few smart swaps.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Meat Sauce
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and meaty texture. Use lean beef for a healthier, low-fat version.
- Italian Sausage (1 pound): Infuses spice and depth. Choose mild for family-friendly meals or hot for extra kick.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Builds a sweet, savory base that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for authentic Italian flavor use fresh garlic for best results.
- Crushed Tomatoes (2 cans, 28 ounces each): Forms the body of the sauce with robust tomato richness.
- Tomato Paste (6 ounces): Thickens and deepens the tomato flavor.
- Tomato Sauce (15 ounces): Adds smooth texture for a well-rounded consistency.
- Water (½ cup): Prevents over-thickening while simmering.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity and enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Dried Basil (1 tablespoon): Adds fragrant, herbal notes that define traditional Italian sauces.
- Fennel Seeds (½ teaspoon): Gives the sauce that signature Italian sausage aroma.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds warmth.
- Salt (1 tablespoon) & Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings balance and enhances every bite.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds freshness and color to the final sauce.
For the Cheese Filling
- Ricotta Cheese (26 ounces): Creamy and mild, this creates the soft, rich layers that define great lasagna.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ricotta mixture so it sets perfectly while baking.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) & Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Balances the mild ricotta flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds brightness to the creamy filling.
For the Lasagna Layers
- Lasagna Noodles (12): The foundation of every layer choose oven-ready for convenience or boil traditionally for a classic approach.
- Mozzarella Cheese (16 ounces, shredded): Melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey finish every cheesy comfort food lover craves.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Adds salty sharpness and forms a golden crust when baked.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: Letting your sauce cook low and slow enhances flavor depth.
- Always Preheat the Oven: Even heat ensures evenly melted cheese and perfectly cooked noodles.
- Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of basil or parsley before serving brightens the dish.
- Drain the Meat Thoroughly: Keeps the sauce thick, not oily.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: This allows layers to firm up, making for beautiful slices and easy plating.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a safe and satisfying version.
- Low-Carb Dinner Idea: Replace noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a hearty, plant-based filling.
- Spicy Italian Twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Three-Cheese Upgrade: Mix in provolone or fontina for even more cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
- A crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast
- Garlic bread or homemade focaccia for dipping into the sauce
- A light minestrone soup for a complete Italian dinner
- Steamed vegetables for a healthy meal pairing
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
- Freezer Friendly: Wrap unbaked lasagna tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftover Hacks: Store baked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave for quick healthy lunch prep.
- Meal Prep Ideas: Slice into squares and freeze for easy single-serving meals.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Lasagna is one of Italy’s oldest and most beloved comfort foods. Its origins trace back to medieval Naples, where layers of pasta, meat, and cheese symbolized abundance and hospitality. Today, American-Italian versions like Maggiano’s emphasize heartier sauces and more cheese, making them the ultimate American comfort food classic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for fresh, hot results.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
3. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely use lean ground meat, part-skim ricotta, and whole-wheat or veggie noodles for a healthy weeknight meal.
4. Can I freeze Maggiano’s lasagna?
Yes! Wrap it well in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight.
5. What substitutions work for allergies or dietary needs?
Use gluten-free noodles, dairy-free cheeses, or veggie fillings for a healthy substitution that still tastes amazing.
Maggiano’s Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- 1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large pot, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir in sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer covered for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- 2. Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- 3. Cook the Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- 4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles, one-third of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and ¼ cup of Parmesan. Repeat layers twice, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- 5. Bake: Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- 6. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing for clean layers and perfect servings.
