Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

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A towering masterpiece of creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly tender pasta—this Maggiano’s Style Lasagna is everything a comforting Italian dinner should be. Inspired by the beloved restaurant version, this homemade take layers together all the familiar flavors you crave, but with a freshness and depth that only comes from cooking it yourself.

Whether you’re prepping a hearty family dinner or feeding a crowd for a special occasion, this lasagna never disappoints. The balance of beefy marinara and silky ricotta filling will have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds). It’s the kind of dish that makes memories around the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

This isn’t your average lasagna. The beauty of this Maggiano’s-style version lies in its creamy béchamel, the bold seasoning of the meat sauce, and those thick, structured layers that hold together perfectly when sliced. It tastes like a meal from your favorite Italian restaurant, but made with love in your own kitchen. Ideal for meal prep, entertaining, or freezing for later, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.

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What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

Traditional Maggiano’s lasagna features a luxurious combination of cheeses. For the most authentic texture and flavor, go with whole milk ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Some versions even include creamy mascarpone or provolone for extra richness. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a superior taste compared to pre-shredded blends.

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Ingredients for the Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

• Ground Beef: Essential for a rich, meaty base. Choose 80/20 for flavor and moisture.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and a slightly spicy kick to the meat sauce.
• Lasagna Noodles: The structure of the dish. Use traditional or oven-ready noodles based on preference.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, slightly sweet layer that balances the acidity of the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that perfect, melty pull and a mild, comforting flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and sharpness; use fresh for best flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for firmer layers.
• Tomato Sauce: Forms the body of the meat sauce; use a good-quality canned or homemade version.
• Garlic & Onion: Foundational aromatics that bring depth and savoriness.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté and enrich the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: The essential trio to enhance every component.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness in the filling and on top.

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How To Make the Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 25 minutes until rich and thickened.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, half the parsley, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Boil the Lasagna Noodles

If using traditional noodles, cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel to avoid sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and more sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and a generous topping of cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the lasagna to sit for 15 minutes before slicing. This step ensures clean, defined layers.

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How to Serve and Store This Maggiano’s Style Lasagna

This hearty lasagna serves 8 to 10 people, making it a fantastic option for dinner parties, holidays, or big Sunday family meals. Serve it hot, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for that final restaurant-style touch.

To store, let the lasagna cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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What to Serve With Maggiano’s Style Lasagna?

H3: Garlic Bread

Buttery, crispy, and ideal for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

H3: Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunchy romaine offer a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.

H3: Roasted Vegetables

Think zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots—roasted simply with olive oil and herbs.

H3: Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic elevate any Italian meal.

H3: Antipasto Platter

Marinated olives, artichokes, salami, and cheeses add a festive, flavorful side.

H3: Sauteed Greens

Spinach or kale cooked with garlic and olive oil provides a healthy, earthy complement.

H3: Tomato Basil Soup

A warm, smooth starter that pairs harmoniously with the lasagna layers.

H3: Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the deep, savory notes of the dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the covered bake time.

2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work great in this recipe. Just ensure your meat sauce has enough moisture to soften the noodles as they bake.

3. How do I keep the lasagna from becoming watery?
Be sure to fully drain the meat and simmer your sauce until thick. Also, allow the lasagna to rest before slicing—it helps set the layers and prevents excess liquid.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Certainly. Omit the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of roasted vegetables instead. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes.

5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until hot (about 25–30 minutes). Microwave works for speed, but oven retains texture better.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. Find more recipes on my Life With Livia Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cheese? Did you swap the sausage for ground turkey? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make every meal a success.

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Conclusion

Maggiano’s Style Lasagna is the kind of recipe that turns an everyday dinner into something truly special. With its rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish delivers every time. Happy cooking!

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