Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

by
Pin

Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe: A Cheesy, Meaty Masterpiece Worth Every Layer

If you’ve ever dined at Maggiano’s Little Italy and fallen in love with their hearty, rich, and comforting lasagna, you’re not alone. Known for its layers of cheesy goodness, flavorful meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe is the kind of dish that brings families together and leaves everyone craving seconds.

Now you can make a restaurant-style lasagna at home, complete with homemade meat sauce, a creamy ricotta blend, and gooey mozzarella. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe delivers both flavor and satisfaction.

🍅 Why Maggiano’s Lasagna is So Popular

Maggiano’s doesn’t cut corners when it comes to Italian-American classics—and their lasagna is no exception. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • A rich, slow-simmered meat sauce with depth and flavor.

  • Plenty of cheese—mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan—layered throughout.

  • Classic Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic.

  • Restaurant-style presentation with thick, hearty layers.

This recipe captures that same depth and indulgence you’d expect from the original, with ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.

🍽️ Ingredients for Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this iconic dish at home:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

  • ½ cup red wine (optional but recommended)

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

  • 2 teaspoons dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1½ teaspoons salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Ricotta Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese

  • 1 egg

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Additional:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese for topping

👨‍🍳 Instructions: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add red wine (if using), sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay them flat on a towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then spread on some ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous layer of meat sauce and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil (tent it slightly to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this helps it hold its shape when served.

🧀 Tips for Success

  • Simmer that sauce – Give your sauce time to develop deep flavors.

  • Don’t skip the resting time – Letting it sit ensures cleaner slices.

  • Make ahead – You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it fresh when ready.

  • Double the recipe – Freeze a second lasagna for busy nights.

🧊 Storing & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze individual portions or the whole dish for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe wrap and aluminum foil.

  • Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

🍷 Wine Pairing

Pair Maggiano’s Lasagna with a bold red wine like:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Chianti

  • Zinfandel

These wines match the richness of the meat sauce and cut through the cheese with acidity.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Turn your Maggiano’s-style dinner into a full Italian meal:

  • Garlic Bread or Focaccia

  • Caesar Salad or Caprese

  • Tiramisu or Cannoli for dessert

💬 What People Are Saying

“I made this for my in-laws and they thought I ordered it from a restaurant. The sauce is so rich!”

“Better than Maggiano’s. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat and used hot Italian sausage—amazing!”

🔁 Variations

  • Vegetarian version – Skip the meat and layer in roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

  • Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or use hot sausage.

  • Four-cheese version – Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe

  • Deep, rich flavor from scratch-made sauce

  • Creamy ricotta layers with cheesy goodness

  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later

  • Restaurant quality without the restaurant price

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe, this is it—rich, layered, and worth every bite. You don’t have to go out to get the same incredible flavor you’d find in a fine Italian restaurant. Bring the magic home, and make it part of your own kitchen traditions.

Leave a Comment