Maggiano’s Lasagna: 10 Amazing Steps

Maggiano’s Lasagna has a way of making any meal feel like a special occasion. I remember the first time I tried it at Maggiano’s Little Italy; the rich, creamy layers of pasta, cheese, and savory meat sauce were absolutely divine. It was so comforting and flavorful, I immediately knew I had to recreate that magic at home. This Maggiano’s lasagna recipe is my attempt to capture that incredible taste, and let me tell you, it truly delivers. You’ll find out exactly why is Maggiano’s lasagna so good with every single bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Maggiano’s Lasagna

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. You’ll adore the authentic taste, a perfect Maggiano’s lasagna copycat recipe that rivals the restaurant’s famous dish. It’s surprisingly budget-friendly for such a hearty meal, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

• Incredible, savory flavor
• Manageable prep time for a weeknight treat
• Comforting and family-friendly
• A fantastic Maggiano’s lasagna copycat recipe
• Feels like a special occasion meal
• Great for leftovers
• Can be made ahead for easy entertaining

Maggiano’s Lasagna Ingredients

Gathering the right Maggiano’s lasagna ingredients is the first step to recreating this Italian-American classic. You’ll need 1 pound Italian sausage and 1 pound ground beef for that rich, savory meat sauce. For the sauce base, grab 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, and 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste, along with 0.5 cup water. Flavor comes from 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend, and 0.5 teaspoon fennel seed, plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to balance the acidity. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste.

For the creamy ricotta layer, you’ll need 16 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 whole egg, and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. To assemble this masterpiece, you’ll require 12 sheets lasagna pasta, 16 ounces shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. A little olive oil for sautéing is also essential.

How to Make Maggiano’s Lasagna

Follow these steps to master how to make Maggiano’s lasagna right in your own kitchen. This process brings together simple ingredients into a truly spectacular dish.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grab a large skillet. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they smell wonderfully fragrant and soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add the dried basil, Italian seasoning blend, fennel seed, and granulated sugar. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce thicken for at least 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. This long simmer is key to developing that deep, rich flavor that makes Maggiano’s Little Italy lasagna so delicious.
5. Step 5: While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta layer. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is smoothly combined.
6. Step 6: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the lasagna pasta sheets and cook until they are al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain them and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean surface.
7. Step 7: Now, let’s assemble! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a deep baking dish. Arrange a layer of the cooked lasagna sheets over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with about a third of the shredded mozzarella.
8. Step 8: Repeat the layering process: meat sauce, lasagna sheets, remaining ricotta mixture, and another third of the mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce, ensuring the top pasta sheets are covered, and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. This is how to make Maggiano’s lasagna look and taste incredible.

9. Step 9: Cover the entire dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown.
10. Step 10: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This crucial step allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade Maggiano’s lasagna!

Pro Tips for the Best Maggiano’s Lasagna

Achieving that restaurant-quality taste at home is totally doable with a few insider tricks. These tips will elevate your Maggiano’s lasagna from good to absolutely unforgettable.

• Don’t rush the sauce simmer. That 90-minute slow cook is crucial for developing deep flavor and thickening the sauce perfectly, just like the original Maggiano’s Little Italy lasagna.
• Ensure your ricotta mixture is smooth and well-combined. Mixing in the egg and parsley helps bind everything together for a creamy, cohesive layer.
• Let the finished lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This is a vital part of the classic Maggiano’s lasagna preparation that ensures clean slices and prevents a soupy mess.
• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. I’ve found it adds a subtle warmth that complements the cheese beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Maggiano’s Lasagna?

The real secret to that perfect, rich flavor is the long simmer time for the meat sauce, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. This slow cooking is a key element of the classic Maggiano’s lasagna preparation.

Can I make Maggiano’s Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce and the ricotta mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the entire lasagna just before baking to ensure the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Maggiano’s Lasagna?

To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure your meat sauce simmers long enough to thicken. Also, don’t overcook the pasta sheets; they should be al dente. Allowing the baked lasagna to rest before cutting is another crucial step to prevent sogginess. For more tips on Italian cooking, you can explore our collection of recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Maggiano’s Lasagna

Once your masterpiece is ready, you’ll want to pair it with sides that complement its rich flavors. Serving this Maggiano’s lasagna is almost as fun as making it! For a truly authentic Italian-American experience, consider a crisp Caesar salad with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons. A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is also a must; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

If you’re looking for other great pairings, think about roasted vegetables or a simple Caprese salad. Honestly, any simple green salad or antipasto platter works wonderfully. These accompaniments help balance the richness of the lasagna, making it the best lasagna like Maggiano’s you’ve ever had right at home. You might also enjoy our Romanian Fried Meatballs for another classic dish.

Maggiano’s Lasagna Nutrition Facts

When you’re enjoying a hearty slice of this delicious Maggiano’s lasagna, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. This recipe is designed to be rich and satisfying, providing a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 1200mg

Maggiano’s lasagna nutrition can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. These nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more insights into healthy eating, check out resources on nutrition.gov.

How to Store and Reheat Maggiano’s Lasagna

Once your delicious Maggiano’s lasagna is baked and enjoyed, you’ll want to know how to store any leftovers properly. This dish keeps wonderfully, making it a fantastic option if you’re looking for convenient meals throughout the week, much like buying a pre-made Maggiano’s lasagna for sale, but made with love from your own kitchen! Always let the lasagna cool down completely before storing it. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes after it comes out of the oven.

For refrigeration, store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of deliciousness left, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the entire dish or individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Consider trying our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo for another make-ahead meal.

To reheat your Maggiano’s lasagna, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Then, place slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the oven method is best for maintaining that creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maggiano’s Lasagna

What is the price of Maggiano’s Lasagna?

While the specific Maggiano’s lasagna price can vary by location and any ongoing promotions, a generous portion of their famous lasagna typically ranges from $20-$30. It’s a substantial meal, often enough for two people or more, so when you consider the quality and portion size, it’s quite a good value. This makes it a popular choice for family dinners.

Can I find an easy Maggiano’s lasagna recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe we’re sharing is designed to be an easy Maggiano’s lasagna recipe for home cooks. While it involves a few steps, each one is straightforward and leads you closer to that authentic taste. Many home cooks find this copycat version very manageable and rewarding. For more easy recipes, visit our recipe section.

What do people say in a Maggiano’s Lasagna review?

Most Maggiano’s lasagna review comments rave about its rich, comforting flavors and generous portion sizes. People often mention the perfect balance of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella. It’s frequently cited as a go-to for family gatherings or when craving a hearty, authentic Italian-American meal. Many reviewers are impressed by how closely it resembles homemade lasagna.

What makes Maggiano’s Lasagna so good compared to homemade?

The secret to why is Maggiano’s lasagna so good often lies in the quality of their ingredients and the slow cooking process for the meat sauce, which develops a deep, complex flavor. While homemade is wonderful, Maggiano’s has perfected the balance of their rich sauce and creamy cheese layers through years of experience, making their version a benchmark for many. You can learn more about the art of Italian cooking from resources like Italy.org.

Variations of Maggiano’s Lasagna You Can Try

While the classic Maggiano’s Italian restaurant lasagna is a beloved favorite, you can certainly put your own spin on this incredible dish. These variations allow you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of this iconic comfort food.

• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat entirely and load up on sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. This makes for a hearty and delicious meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some into the ricotta mixture. This adds a wonderful warmth that complements the rich, savory flavors beautifully.
• Creamier Ricotta: For an even more decadent experience, try mixing a few tablespoons of mascarpone cheese into the ricotta mixture. It adds an extra layer of creaminess, reminiscent of special occasion dishes you might find at an upscale Italian eatery.
• Smoky Sausage Swap: Instead of standard Italian sausage, use smoked sausage or even pancetta for a different flavor profile. This adds a lovely smoky depth to the meat sauce, giving your Maggiano’s lasagna a unique twist.

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