Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Intro

Some dishes don’t just fill your stomach — they fill your heart. For me, lasagna is one of those dishes. And when people talk about restaurant-style lasagna, Maggiano’s Lasagna always comes up. Thick layers. Rich meat sauce. Creamy cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite feels indulgent, comforting, and a little bit nostalgic.

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe is my home-kitchen version of that famous Italian-American classic. It’s hearty, cheesy, saucy, and made for sharing. This is the kind of dish you make when you want to slow down, feed people you love, and hear that happy silence at the table when everyone is too busy eating to talk.

I’ll be honest — this isn’t a rushed weeknight meal. It’s a weekend project, and that’s part of the joy. But every step is simple, familiar, and totally doable in a home kitchen.

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What Is Maggiano’s Lasagna?

Maggiano’s Lasagna is a classic Italian-American style lasagna. It’s rich, meaty, and unapologetically comforting. Unlike lighter Italian versions, this one leans into bold flavors, generous cheese, and a thick meat sauce that clings to every layer of pasta.

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe features:

• A slow-simmered beef and sausage sauce
  
• Creamy ricotta cheese filling
  
• Plenty of mozzarella
  
• Nutty Parmesan
  
• Wide lasagna noodles cooked just right
  

It’s layered generously and baked until bubbly, golden, and irresistible.

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Why This Lasagna Is So Loved

There’s a reason people crave Maggiano’s lasagna:

• It’s rich without being greasy
  
• The sauce is deeply flavorful
  
• The cheese layers are creamy, not dry
  
• Every bite feels balanced
  

This recipe captures that same feeling — comforting, filling, and satisfying without being overwhelming.

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My Love Affair With This Lasagna

The first time I had Maggiano’s lasagna, I remember thinking, this tastes like someone’s Nonna spent all day in the kitchen. That’s the kind of food I love — food that feels cared for.

I went home determined to recreate it. Not copy it exactly, but capture the soul of it. After many batches (and many taste tests), this Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe became my go-to. It’s the one I make for holidays, birthdays, and Sunday dinners when everyone gathers around the table.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here. Just solid kitchen basics.

• Large pot (for pasta)
  
• Large skillet or saucepan
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• 9×13 inch baking dish
  
• Aluminum foil
  
• Wooden spoon
  
• Sharp knife
  

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
  
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
  
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
  
• 1 tsp salt
  
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
  
• 1 tsp dried basil
  
• 1 tsp dried oregano
  
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
  

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
  
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  

For the Lasagna

• 12 lasagna noodles
  
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
  
• Extra Parmesan for topping
  

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How to Make Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir well. Lower heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes. The sauce should be thick and rich.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth and creamy.

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Assembling the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F.

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 dish
   
2. Add a layer of noodles
   
3. Spread ricotta mixture evenly
   
4. Spoon meat sauce over cheese
   
5. Sprinkle mozzarella
   

Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.

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Baking Instructions

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This step matters — it helps the layers set.

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Flavor and Texture Breakdown

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe is all about balance.

• The sauce is rich and savory
  
• The ricotta layer is creamy, not grainy
  
• The noodles hold their shape
  
• The cheese melts into every corner
  

Each bite gives you sauce, pasta, cheese, and comfort all at once.

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Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Don’t overcook the noodles
  
• Let the sauce simmer properly
  
• Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess
  
• Rest before cutting
  

Small details make a big difference.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Lasagna is perfect for prepping ahead.

• Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours
  
• Bake when ready, adding 10 minutes to cooking time
  

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe actually tastes even better the next day.

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Freezing Instructions

You can freeze it baked or unbaked.

• Wrap tightly in foil
  
• Freeze up to 3 months
  
• Thaw overnight before baking
  

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What to Serve With Lasagna

This lasagna pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
  
• Caesar salad
  
• Roasted vegetables
  
• A simple green salad
  

Keep the sides simple and let the lasagna shine.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe works because it’s generous without being complicated. It uses familiar ingredients, classic techniques, and a lot of love. It’s not trying to be fancy — it’s trying to be comforting.

And it succeeds.

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Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is perfect for:

• Family dinners
  
• Holidays
  
• Potlucks
  
• Meal prep
  
• Comfort food cravings
  

It feeds a crowd and always leaves people happy.

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Final Thoughts

Lasagna is more than food. It’s comfort, tradition, and togetherness layered into one dish. This Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe brings that restaurant-quality experience straight into your home kitchen.

It’s rich, cozy, filling, and deeply satisfying. If you’re looking for a lasagna that feels special without being stressful — this is the one.