Ingredients
- Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: Maggiano’s is famous for its meat sauce. It’s made with ground beef and Italian sausage. The sausage adds a nice spice and flavor that goes well with the beef.
- Marinara Sauce: A thick, aromatic marinara sauce is the base of this lasagna. Look for a sauce with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy ricotta cheese is crucial for the lasagna’s filling. Use high-quality ricotta for the best taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: You need melty, gooey mozzarella cheese for that Maggiano’s lasagna look and taste. Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor. It brings all the flavors together.
- Lasagna Noodles: Pick a good brand of lasagna noodles that don’t need pre-boiling. This saves time and effort in the kitchen.
- Fresh Herbs: A mix of fresh basil, oregano, and parsley will make your lasagna’s aroma and flavor even better.
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. Once softened, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine or beef broth. Simmer the sauce on low for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and a beaten egg. Add fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer in lasagna noodles, then spread half of the cheese filling. Repeat with more sauce, noodles, and the rest of the cheese filling. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days for even richer flavors.
- Make sure to use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg