1. Make the Meat Sauce
Heat oil in a pot, brown beef + sausage. Drain fat.
Add onion + garlic, cook until soft (~5 mins).
Stir in tomatoes, sauce, paste, sugar, and seasonings.
Simmer 30+ mins (longer = better flavor).
2. Prep Cheese Filling
Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and salt.
3. Assemble Lasagna
Layer 1: Thin meat sauce + 4 noodles + ½ ricotta mix + 1 cup mozzarella.
Layer 2: Repeat.
Layer 3: Final noodles + remaining sauce + mozzarella + Parmesan.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 mins.
Uncover, bake 15-20 mins until bubbly and golden.
Rest 15 mins before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna
🔹 Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture.
🔹 No-boil noodles? Add ½ cup water to sauce for moisture.
🔹 Freeze unbaked – Wrap tightly, bake from frozen (+20 mins).
3 Delicious Variations
Vegetarian – Swap meat for mushrooms + spinach.
Spicy Arrabbiata – Add extra red pepper flakes.
White Lasagna – Use béchamel sauce instead of tomato.
Why This Lasagna Beats the Restaurant
Maggiano’s is famous for its generous portions and rich flavors—this copycat delivers the same hearty, cheesy layers but at a fraction of the cost. The slow-simmered sauce makes all the difference!
Warning: Leftovers are rare!