Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this heavenly creation I absolutely adore: Maggiano’s Lasagna! There’s just something about a big ol’ dish of lasagna that brings back all the warm, cozy memories of long family dinners, laughter, and, of course, lots of delicious food. Growing up, my family would gather around the table on Sundays for a feast, and the star of the show was often my mom’s lasagna. I’ll never forget the look on my dad’s face when he heard those telltale layers of love were coming. Ahh, the anticipation!
This recipe is like a big, cheesy hug. It has everything you could ever want in a lasagna: hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a gooey, cheesy topping. Perfect for family gatherings or when you want to impress guests. Plus, it’s just as comforting on a rainy night as it is during the holidays. So grab your apron, and let’s dive right into the deliciousness of Maggiano’s Lasagna!
What’s in Maggiano’s Lasagna?
Ground Beef: A classic choice for meat sauce! I prefer using lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy but still packed with flavor.
Italian Sausage: Casings removed and crumbled, this adds a lovely bite and spice that elevates the taste of the meat sauce. A sweet or spicy version works; it’s all about your preference!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic duo serve as the heart of the meat sauce, offering essential flavors that create a foundation for the dish.
Crushed Tomatoes: A must for that rich, tangy tomato flavor! I like using San Marzano tomatoes if I can for that extra sweetness.
Tomato Paste and Sauce: These help deepen the tomato flavor and give the sauce that desirable thickness.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a well-rounded sauce.
Dried Basil and Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that evoke warm memories of family recipes. Fresh herbs are amazing too, but dried works like a charm.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and slightly sweet, the base of our cheese mixture. You can’t make a lasagna without it!
Egg: This little ingredient holds the cheese mixture together beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: Bright and zesty, it gives the cheese layer a fresh twist.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and enhances the cheesiness of the dish.
Lasagna Noodles: The classic vehicle for all this deliciousness! I like to use oven-ready noodles for less hassle, but the traditional ones are great too.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey hero of our lasagna! I opt for whole milk mozzarella for that ultimate cheesiness.
Is Maggiano’s Lasagna Good for You?
You might be wondering if this rich and tasty dish has any health benefits, and while it’s not exactly a salad, here are some things to consider!
Protein: With the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, this lasagna is packed with protein, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Calcium: The cheese factor is no joke here! This dish provides a solid amount of calcium from the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes can aid in heart health, so we have that going for us!
However, it’s worth noting that this dish can be calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in moderation or as part of a well-balanced meal. Think healthy sides, folks! A lovely salad or some roasted veggies could make this a great meal.
Ingredients List
– **For the Meat Sauce**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste
– 2 tbsp tomato sauce
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Cheese Mixture**:
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– **For the Lasagna**:
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
*Serves: 8-10 hungry lasagna lovers*
How to Make Maggiano’s Lasagna?
1. **Prepare the Meat Sauce**: In a large skillet, brown the **ground beef** and **Italian sausage** over medium heat until cooked through. Add in the **chopped onion** and **minced garlic**, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant.
2. Stir in the **crushed tomatoes**, **tomato paste**, **tomato sauce**, **sugar**, **dried basil**, **oregano**, and season with **salt** and **pepper**. Let this simmer for at least 30 minutes while you do a little happy dance in your kitchen.
3. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture**: In a separate bowl, combine the **ricotta cheese**, **egg**, **parsley**, **salt**, **black pepper**, and **Parmesan cheese**. Mix until it’s all beautifully combined.
4. **Cook the Lasagna Noodles**: Boil the **lasagna noodles** according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, trying not to eat all of them before assembling!
5. **Assemble the Lasagna**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with three **lasagna noodles**, then add a third of the cheese mixture, followed by a third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with a cup of **mozzarella cheese**. Repeat this two more times for a trifecta of deliciousness!
6. Finish it all off with the remaining noodles and top it with the last bit of meat sauce, **mozzarella cheese**, and a sprinkle of **Parmesan cheese**.
7. **Bake the Lasagna**: Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
8. Let your masterpiece cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, the flavors get cozier as they settle!
Lasagna Love Tips
Oh, boy! Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom:
– Feel free to swap out the ground beef and sausage for turkey or even plant-based options if you’re going meatless.
– You can totally prep this lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it well and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving for a fresh taste!
– Serve with garlic bread and a lovely side salad. For a little extra flair, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this incredible Maggiano’s Lasagna recipe, friends! It’s a dish that brings warmth to every gathering and creates memories around the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it holds a special place in my heart (and my stomach!). Bon appétit!
