Lasagna Maggiano’s Style

The iconic lasagna gets a luxurious twist with this Maggiano’s-inspired version. This dish is the epitome of Italian-American comfort food hearty layers of rich meat sauce, velvety ricotta, and gooey mozzarella baked until perfectly golden. The flavor-packed tomato base is simmered to savory perfection, soaking into every pasta layer for a truly decadent bite. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or prepping for a week of leftovers, this lasagna delivers on every front. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal and pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a simple green salad. Each slice showcases the traditional technique with a restaurant-quality flair, making it a timeless favorite in any home cook’s rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb Italian sausage

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lb lasagna noodles

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft.

4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. While the sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg until well combined.

7. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then spread ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

8. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 610 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Lasagna Maggiano’s Style: A Rich and Hearty Classic for Every Occasion

Lasagna Maggiano’s Style is more than just a pasta dish it’s a timeless symbol of Italian-American comfort food that has warmed family dinner tables for generations. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, bubbling mozzarella, and tender pasta sheets, this version of lasagna is heavily inspired by the traditional fare served at classic Italian restaurants like Maggiano’s Little Italy. Designed to satisfy large appetites and celebrate hearty flavors, it’s a perfect centerpiece for everything from Sunday suppers to holiday gatherings.

The Essence of Maggiano’s-Style Lasagna

Maggiano’s is known for its rich, homestyle Italian cooking that’s both approachable and indulgent. This lasagna takes cues from that tradition, starting with a flavorful base of ground beef and Italian sausage that’s simmered in tomato paste and sauce to develop depth. This slow-cooked sauce is a pillar of authentic Italian-American cuisine, often made in large batches and savored over time. The incorporation of aromatic ingredients like onion, garlic, basil, and oregano enhances the richness, while ricotta mixed with egg adds creaminess and structure to the dish. The final touch? Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melted over the top until bubbly and golden.

Unlike some minimalist or modern lasagna variations, this version fully embraces decadence. Every bite offers layers of texture and bold flavor chewy pasta, creamy cheese, and meaty sauce that meld together into a deeply satisfying experience.

Cultural Significance and History

Lasagna has deep roots in both Italian and Italian-American culture. Originating from ancient Rome and evolving through regions like Emilia-Romagna and Naples, lasagna was traditionally a celebratory meal—made for holidays, feast days, or special family occasions. In Italian-American homes, lasagna became a centerpiece dish passed down through generations, often customized with local ingredients and American touches. The Maggiano’s-style lasagna follows in this legacy, showcasing a well-balanced approach that combines authentic technique with American-style richness.

This dish is particularly significant in Italian-American restaurants where large portions and family-style dining are the norm. The Maggiano’s aesthetic abundant servings, bold flavors, and a no-rush dining experience is reflected perfectly in this version of lasagna.

Why This Dish Stands Out

What makes this lasagna so exceptional is its careful layering and balance. Many lasagna recipes either lean too heavily on one component (too much sauce, too much cheese, or dry pasta), but this Maggiano’s-style recipe ensures that each forkful contains the ideal blend of textures and tastes.

1. Depth of Flavor:
The dual-meat base of beef and Italian sausage creates a savory complexity that is enhanced by slow-simmered tomato sauce. This richness is both satisfying and aromatic.

2. Creaminess from Ricotta:
Ricotta cheese, combined with egg, adds a creamy and slightly tangy dimension to balance the richness of the meat. It also binds the layers together for that signature, sliceable lasagna structure.

3. Gooey Cheese Topping:
Mozzarella and Parmesan on top provide that essential cheesy crust that’s both visually appealing and texturally addictive.

4. Texture Variety:
From soft pasta sheets to thick meat sauce and melted cheese, every bite gives a contrast in texture that makes the dish comforting yet dynamic.

Best Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Maggiano’s Style is a standalone masterpiece, but it can be elevated with simple side dishes and pairings that bring balance and contrast to the richness of the dish.

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: The buttery crispness of garlic bread offers a perfect counterpoint to the soft lasagna layers.

• Simple Green Salad: A salad with arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan cuts through the heaviness and adds freshness.

• Italian Red Wine: A full-bodied red like Chianti, Barbera, or Sangiovese enhances the savory elements of the dish and complements the herbs and meat.

• Dessert Pairing: End with a light finish like panna cotta or a citrus sorbet to cleanse the palate.

This dish also holds up well to reheating, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. In fact, many people find lasagna even more flavorful the next day after the ingredients have had time to meld together.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Even though this recipe is quite traditional and forgiving, there are some tips and tricks to ensure your lasagna turns out restaurant-quality every time.

• Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: While dried oregano and basil are convenient, fresh herbs can add brightness that balances the rich sauce.

• Let It Rest: After baking, give your lasagna at least 10 minutes to rest before cutting. This helps it hold its shape and makes serving easier.

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook your lasagna noodles al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven as they absorb the sauce.

• Double the Sauce: For an even saucier dish, consider doubling the meat sauce and freezing the extra for future use.

Who This Recipe is Perfect For

This lasagna is ideal for anyone who loves traditional comfort food and doesn’t mind indulging in a hearty, flavor-packed meal. It’s a hit with:

• Families looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that stretches across multiple servings.

• Home cooks who want to recreate restaurant-style Italian dishes without complicated steps.

• Entertainers who need a make-ahead option for guests that feels both impressive and familiar.

• Meal preppers who want to enjoy hearty leftovers or freeze portions for later.

It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, celebrations, and holiday feasts when you need something that will deliver on both flavor and nostalgia.

Variations to Explore

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, feel free to experiment with different additions or dietary variations.

• Vegetarian: Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

• White Sauce Lasagna: Use a béchamel or Alfredo sauce in place of tomato for a different flavor profile.

• Low-Carb: Replace pasta sheets with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.

• Vegan: Use plant-based meat, vegan ricotta, and dairy-free cheese for a cruelty-free version.

Each adaptation still follows the same principles of layering flavor and texture, making this dish as versatile as it is delicious.

Conclusion:

Lasagna Maggiano’s Style is a celebration of Italian-American culinary heritage. It’s bold, filling, and nostalgic perfectly suited for creating memories around the dinner table. With every slice, you get a little bit of everything: the richness of the meat sauce, the comfort of melted cheese, the tenderness of pasta, and the soul of a well-loved recipe.

Whether you’re introducing it to your weekly dinner routine or saving it for special occasions, this dish brings warmth and connection to the table. Its crowd-pleasing nature and classic flavor make it a go-to recipe that stands the test of time. So the next time you’re craving something indulgent and homey, let this lasagna take center stage and enjoy every gooey, savory bite.