Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Thick layers of cheesy, saucy goodness stacked between tender noodles—this is lasagna done right!

A slow-simmered tomato sauce with Italian sausage and ground beef gives the dish a deep, rich taste.

I like to use no-boil lasagna noodles since they absorb just the right amount of sauce while baking.

Mixing shredded mozzarella into the ricotta filling makes each bite extra cheesy without making it overly heavy.

Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking keeps the moisture locked in, so the pasta cooks up perfectly.

A broiled cheese topping for the last few minutes creates that golden, bubbly crust everyone looks forward to!

How to Make Olive Garden Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb Ground Beef
• 1/2 lb Italian Sausage
• 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
• 4 oz Onion (diced)
• 1 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 2 Cans Tomatoes (14 oz each)
• 9 Lasagna Noodles
• 1 Egg
• 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.

Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened.

Step 2:

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and oregano.

Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 3:

In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Start assembling the lasagna by spreading a layer of sauce in a 9 by 12-inch baking dish.

Lay down three lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture and meat sauce.

Sprinkle some mozzarella on top.

Step 5:

Repeat the layers two more times.

Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing Meat

Feel free to use all ground beef or all sausage if you prefer a different flavor balance to your meat sauce.

Cheese Variations

If you enjoy a cheesier lasagna, include some shredded provolone for an added creamy layer.

Noodle Alternatives

If you’d like a quicker prep, try using no-boil lasagna noodles which are a huge time-saver.

Sauce Consistency

Make sure your sauce isn’t too runny or it can affect how the lasagna sets; a thicker sauce works best.

Leftover Storage

Lasagna tastes even better the next day!

Store any leftovers in a tightly covered dish in the refrigerator for up to three days.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad is a classic choice that never goes out of style.

You can use mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, dressed with a light vinaigrette.

The fresh flavors and crunch will balance out the richness of the lasagna beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread complements any lasagna perfectly.

The buttery, garlicky aroma wafting from the oven is irresistible.

Simply top sliced Italian bread with garlic butter and a sprinkle of parsley, then bake until golden.

Sauteed Spinach

Sauteed spinach is a nutritious option that pairs wonderfully with lasagna.

You can quickly toss fresh spinach in olive oil with a hint of garlic.

The light and earthy taste of spinach enhances the meal without overwhelming it.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms make an excellent side that adds an interesting texture to your meal.

You can stuff them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs!

Roast Butternut Squash

For something a little unconventional, roasted butternut squash is a great choice.

Its sweet, caramelized edges and tender bites provide a fantastic contrast.

Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until perfectly tender.

Grilled Eggplant

Grilled eggplant is a unique and tasty addition next to lasagna.

Its smoky flavor adds depth and interest to the meal.

Just slice the eggplant, brush with olive oil, and grill until nice and soft.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Choices

When you want to switch things up, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef, for a lighter option.

You can also experiment with plant-based meat, which can add an exciting twist to the dish while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

Switching up the meat can introduce new flavors that you and your guests might love.

Cheese Combinations

If you’d like to explore different cheese profiles, consider mixing in provolone with the classic mozzarella.

Feel free to use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses to give your lasagna a unique flavor.

You can customize the cheese to your liking and discover new combinations that suit your taste buds.

Pasta Layers

Using whole wheat noodles can add a bit of nuttiness and extra fiber to the dish.

There’s even the option to try gluten-free noodles for a celiac-friendly version to accommodate different dietary needs.

These pasta changes won’t alter the classic feel but will add their benefits.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Lasagna

When it comes to storing leftover Olive Garden Lasagna, keeping it fresh is key.

Cool your lasagna to room temperature before moving it to the fridge.

Refrigerating Your Lasagna

Wrap the lasagna tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.

It will last in the fridge for up to three to five days, making it great for weeknight meals.

Freezing Your Lasagna

If you want it to last longer, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil.

You can also put them in a freezer-friendly bag or container.

The freezer is your best friend for keeping flavors intact for months!

Thawing Lasagna

When you’re ready to enjoy more lasagna, transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw.

This approach keeps the taste as delicious as the day you first made it.

Enjoy your tasty homemade meal anytime!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Ready-Made Sauces

If there’s one thing that can detract from an Olive Garden-style lasagna, it’s using ready-made sauces.

You want to create a rich, flavorful sauce, which means simmering tomatoes, herbs, and spices together.

This creates a depth of flavor that pre-packaged sauces simply can’t deliver.

Overcooking the Noodles

It’s crucial not to overcook the noodles.

Remember, they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so aim for al dente while boiling them.

Mushy noodles can ruin the texture of your lasagna entirely.

Overloading on Cheese

While it’s tempting to pile on the cheese, be mindful of the balance between other ingredients.

You want the dish to be cheesy without overshadowing the sauce and meat layers.

Sticking to this balance results in a perfect lasagna that everyone will enjoy eating.