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- 12 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 15 ounces ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Olive oil - Onions - Garlic - Tomatoes Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more fun. The noodles give the dish its structure. The mix of beef and sausage adds flavor and richness. The cheese blend creates a creamy texture, making each bite delicious. Fresh herbs also brighten the dish. You'll enjoy the taste of rich tomatoes, savory meat, and smooth cheese. Each ingredient plays a key role in this classic lasagna. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be al dente, which means they should be firm but not hard. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Important tips for noodle texture: - Do not overcook the noodles. They will continue to cook in the oven. - Rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep them from sticking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage. Also, toss in 1 finely chopped onion. Cook this mixture until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and let them cook for 1 more minute. Then, pour in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and 1 can of tomato paste. Add 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Adding tomatoes and seasoning for depth of flavor: - Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it every few minutes. This helps the flavors mix and the sauce thicken. Grab a large baking dish. Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Next, add a layer of the cooked noodles. Spread a third of the ricotta mixture on top. Then, sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and a handful of grated Parmesan. Repeat these layers two more times: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish with one last layer of meat sauce. Top this with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Final assembly before baking: - Cover the dish with foil to stop sticking. You can spray the foil with a bit of cooking spray for extra protection. Bake for 25 minutes at 375°F. Remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade dish! To make your lasagna taste amazing, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright note. Dried oregano brings warmth and depth. Mix these herbs into your meat sauce for rich flavor. Simmering the sauce is key. It allows the flavors to meld together. Let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This step builds a robust base for your lasagna. For the ricotta mix, get the texture just right. Combine ricotta cheese with one large egg. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. This mixture should be creamy but not runny. When it comes to mozzarella, choose a good quality cheese. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. Layer it generously on top for that gooey, cheesy finish. Cover your lasagna with foil while it bakes. This prevents the cheese from sticking. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray for easy removal. This will keep your layers intact. Bake the lasagna for about 25 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil for another 15 minutes. This helps the cheese get golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavors of your lasagna. Add them to the sauce for a vibrant taste. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices. Mix Cheeses: For a more complex flavor, consider blending different cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, and a variety of shredded cheeses. Layering Technique: Ensure to spread sauce on the bottom layer to prevent sticking, and don’t overcrowd the layers to maintain a good structure. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian lasagna by replacing meat with veggies. Try spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based proteins, like lentils or tofu, to keep it hearty. For a lighter version, consider cheese alternatives. Use ricotta made from almond or soy milk. This keeps your dish creamy while reducing calories. You can also swap mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese. If you need gluten-free options, use alternative noodles. Look for brands that offer gluten-free lasagna sheets made from rice or corn. They cook well and hold the layers nicely. For a low-fat option, you can substitute the beef and sausage with lean turkey or chicken. You can also choose low-fat ricotta and mozzarella. These changes keep the taste while making it healthier. To make your lasagna unique, add different vegetables or spices. Chopped bell peppers or carrots can bring a sweet crunch. You might also try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Another great idea is to enhance with different cheese types. Use provolone or gouda for a smoky flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a more complex taste profile in each bite. To keep your leftover lasagna fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to freeze it, cut the lasagna into portions. This way, you can take out only what you need. Always let it cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. When it comes to reheating, I suggest using the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the lasagna with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If it's frozen, you may need a bit longer. Check to make sure it's hot all the way through. You can make lasagna ahead of time. It’s perfect for busy weeks. Simply prepare it, but do not bake. Cover and store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Just be sure to wrap it well. When you want to eat it, bake from frozen. It may take 45 minutes or more. Portioning your lasagna can make meals easy. Use single servings in smaller containers. This way, you can grab and go! In the fridge, lasagna lasts about 3-5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. After that, the taste may not be as good. For best quality, eat it within this time. To prevent soggy lasagna, start with the right noodles. Use oven-ready lasagna noodles. This saves you time and keeps the texture firm. If using regular noodles, boil them until just al dente. This way, they won’t absorb too much sauce. Layering matters too. Start with meat sauce at the bottom. This stops the noodles from getting wet too fast. Alternate layers of sauce, noodles, cheese, and meat. Don’t overload each layer. Keep it balanced for the best results. The best way to reheat lasagna is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-30 minutes. This keeps the cheese from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Check if it's warm all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make lasagna in advance. Prepare the dish and assemble it fully. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy days. You can also freeze assembled lasagna. Wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. It can last for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake it as usual, adding extra time if needed. This guide showed you how to make delicious lasagna from scratch. We covered essential ingredients like noodles, meats, and cheeses. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, assemble, and bake your dish for the best flavor. Plus, we explored variations for different diets and smart storage tips for leftovers. Now, you can enjoy making lasagna your way. With practice, your skills will shine. I hope you find joy in every layer.

Copycat Maggiano’s Lasagna

A delicious homemade version of the classic Maggiano's lasagna, layered with meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 noodles lasagna noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes (15 oz each)
  • 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • In a large baking dish, start layering. Begin with a layer of meat sauce on the bottom, then place a layer of noodles, followed by a third of the ricotta mixture, a layer of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Keyword comfort food, Italian, lasagna, pasta