Name: Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb turkey or chicken Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 56 oz crushed tomatoes (2 cans); 6 oz tomato paste; 0.5 cup water; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp dried basil leaves; 0.5 tsp fennel seeds; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 26 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 12 lasagna noodles; 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

If you've ever savored the cozy, comforting layers of Italian tradition at Maggiano's, then you know exactly why this Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in many hearts. It's perfect whenever you want to gather family or friends around the table, especially on cooler evenings when nothing beats that rich, cheesy, tomato-scented hug. I love making it because the flavors develop beautifully, and you'll notice how each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and warmth.

A piece of lasagna on a white plate shows four layers: the top and third layers are light golden melted cheese with some brown toasted spots and green parsley sprinkled on top; the second and fourth layers are thick, rich dark red meat sauce with visible ground meat bits; between them is a creamy white cheese layer with a smooth texture; some sauce spills over the sides onto the plate, and the white marbled surface is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe, Italian lasagna, homemade lasagna, cheesy meat lasagna, classic Italian dishes

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Why You'll Make This on Repeat
Ingredient Highlights
Step-by-Step for Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe
Kitchen Notes I Rely On
Serving & Sides
Make-Ahead & Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Printable Recipe

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Why You'll Make This on Repeat

This lasagna strikes the perfect balance between rich, hearty meat sauce and luscious, creamy cheeses layered between tender noodles. Every time I make it, I'm reassured by how reliably comforting and crowd-pleasing it turns out.

Reliable Texture: The noodles stay al dente even after baking, thanks to careful cooking and layering.
Balanced, Cozy Flavor: The blend of ground beef, sausage, and Italian herbs creates a comforting yet fresh sauce.
Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are staples, making this approachable and not intimidating to prepare.
Weeknight Simple: Though multi-layered, the steps feel very manageable, especially with some prepping ahead.

Ingredient Highlights

A thick square slice of lasagna sits on a white plate, showing four distinct layers of wide pasta sheets. Between the pasta layers are rich, reddish-brown meat sauce and creamy white cheese layers, each evenly spread and slightly oozing at the edges. The top layer is covered with melted, lightly browned cheese sprinkled with fresh green herbs. Some sauce and herbs spill a little onto the plate, making it look fresh and hearty. The background is softly blurred, with hints of fresh tomatoes and herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe, Italian lasagna, homemade lasagna, cheesy meat lasagna, classic Italian dishes

Choosing ingredients is key to nailing Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe. I like to pick fresh, quality cheeses and authentic Italian sausage for depth. The herbs and spices provide that signature flavor, so I make sure they're fresh and fragrant.

Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: Opt for a lean ground beef and a good-quality sausage, preferably with fennel, for a rich yet balanced sauce.
Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta gives a smooth, creamy layer-don't substitute with low-fat versions here.
Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Use good-quality canned tomatoes with no added sugar or preservatives for the freshest taste.
Lasagna Noodles: Regular or no-boil noodles work, but classic boiled noodles help achieve the traditional texture I love.
Fresh Parsley & Basil: Fresh herbs add brightness-don't skip them even if you're in a hurry.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh ground beef, a portion of raw Italian sausage meat without casing, a large peeled and finely chopped white onion, three peeled garlic cloves minced, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright crushed tomatoes, another small white bowl holding rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl of clear water, a few fresh basil leaves scattered nearby, a small heap of dried fennel seeds, a small pile of mixed Italian herb leaves, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a sprinkle of ground black pepper, a small bunch of chopped fresh parsley, a white ceramic bowl heaped with creamy ricotta cheese, one whole clean large egg with an uncracked shell, twelve cooked flat lasagna noodles neatly stacked, a white bowl filled with shredded fresh mozzarella cheese, and another white bowl containing grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354639359234015250 - Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe, Italian lasagna, homemade lasagna, cheesy meat lasagna, classic Italian dishes

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

Step-by-Step for Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe

Step 1 - Prep & Season

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat and browning both the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break the meat apart so it cooks evenly and gets that lovely, browned exterior. Once browned, add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent and soft-about 5 minutes. The aroma here is a really good sign you're on the right track. Add garlic last and cook for a minute more, just until fragrant; burnt garlic will turn bitter, so watch closely. This layering of flavors kicks off the foundation of the sauce beautifully.

Step 2 - Build Flavor

Next, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water, then add sugar, dried basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Cover and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking lets the flavors meld and deepen without feeling rushed-which makes all the difference. I usually give it a taste halfway through to adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring every batch is just right.

Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture

While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta layer by mixing ricotta cheese with an egg, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley until smooth. Then cook the lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until just al dente; you want a little firmness to withstand baking without getting mushy. Once drained and rinsed under cool water, lay them flat to prevent sticking-this little prep helps layers remain neat. For assembly, spread sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan in even layers. Cover generously with foil sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking, bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing, which helps everything set beautifully.

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Kitchen Notes I Rely On

Over the years, I've learned that timing and layering make all the difference in Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe. Don't rush the sauce simmer, and be patient letting the layers rest after baking-it improves sliceability and flavor melding.

Doneness Cue: Look for bubbling edges and a golden cheese crust on top for perfect doneness.
Temperature Trick: Let the lasagna cool at room temperature for 10 minutes after baking to firm up.
Make-Ahead Move: Assemble the day before and refrigerate; bake just before serving for deep flavor.
Skip This Pitfall: Avoid overcooking noodles during boiling-they should finish cooking in the oven.

Serving & Sides

Maggiano’s Lasagna Recipe - Serving Presentation

Finishing Touches

I like finishing this lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or torn basil leaves - it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving elevates it even more. These simple touches make your lasagna feel homemade and special without extra effort.

Pairs Nicely With

Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to refresh every bite. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is great for sopping up sauce. For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the tomato and meat sauce perfectly without overpowering.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For a casual weeknight, I serve slices straight from the pan with a warm napkin. For company, I'll plate with a fresh herb garnish, drizzle some balsamic reduction on the side, and serve on big white plates that highlight the vibrant reds and creamy layers. This makes the meal feel a little elevated without complicating things.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. The texture remains moist if reheated gently; I find covering with foil again during reheating helps prevent drying out.

Freezer Tips

This Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze in a well-sealed container or double-wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results-this helps keep the texture tender and flavors intact.

Reheating Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat, I recommend baking covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, which locks in moisture nicely. If using a microwave, cover loosely and add a splash of water on a small plate beside it to keep steam in. Air fryer reheating works too-just cover with foil and heat at 320°F in short bursts to prevent cheese from drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely-replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, and use a vegetable broth-based sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.

Do I have to boil the noodles before layering?

While no-boil noodles can work, I prefer boiling for this recipe to ensure perfect texture and to prevent excessive sauce absorption.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the cheese from drying out during baking?

Cover the lasagna with foil sprayed with cooking spray during the initial bake to retain moisture, then remove foil toward the end to brown the cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Maggiano's Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It's approachable yet impressive, and with a bit of patience on the sauce and layering, you'll be rewarded with a comforting classic you'll want to return to time and again. Try it for your next dinner, and you might find it becomes a new family favorite.

Printable Recipe