Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe: A Cozy Culinary Delight

Picture a cozy evening at home, the aroma of bubbling tomato sauce and melting cheese wafting from your oven. That’s the magic of the Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe, inspired by the beloved Italian-American restaurant chain.

Today, we’re tackling a classic that’s stolen hearts (and stomachs) for years: the Olive Garden Lasagna. This dish is pure comfort food heaven, with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta. But replicating that restaurant-quality lasagna at home can seem daunting.

Don’t worry, though! I’m here to guide you through my Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe, complete with all the tips and tricks to make it an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

Ingredients For Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

To recreate this culinary masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/2 pound of ground beef
• 6 ounces of Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of chopped basil
• 1 tablespoon of chopped oregano
• 1 lightly beaten egg

For the Lasagna:

• 12 cooked or no-boil lasagna noodles
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Required Equipment

Equip your kitchen with the necessary tools:

• A large sauce pot
• Mixing bowls
• A 9-by-13-inch baking dish
• Cooking spray
• Aluminum foil
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board

Required Time

Allocate approximately:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Step By Step Instructions For Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Creating this delightful lasagna involves several straightforward steps. Follow along:

1. Make the Meat Sauce: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Romano cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, chopped basil, chopped oregano, and lightly beaten egg. Mix everything together until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 325ºF (165ºC). Lightly coat the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce. Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of the meat sauce, spreading it out evenly. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a layer of lasagna noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and finally, the shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to spray the side that will touch the cheese with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly throughout. Remove from the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips For Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Creating a lasagna that rivals Olive Garden’s masterpiece requires a little finesse. But fear not, fellow lasagna lover! With these simple tips, you’ll be layering and baking like a pro in no time. Here’s how to elevate your homemade lasagna to restaurant-worthy status.

• Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh basil and oregano for a vibrant flavor profile.
• Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps the layers settle and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
• Cheese Selection: Grate your own mozzarella and Romano cheeses for a better melt and texture.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Recipe
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Serving Tips For Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

The lasagna is baked, the aroma is intoxicating, and your stomach is rumbling. Now comes the fun part – presenting your culinary creation! Here are some tips to ensure your Olive Garden-inspired lasagna looks and tastes amazing when it hits the table:

• Let it Rest: This is crucial! Resist the urge to dig in right away. A good 20-30 minutes of resting allows the lasagna to set, resulting in clean cuts and perfect slices that won’t crumble on the plate.
• Warm Up Your Plates: Cold plates can make the cheese stiffen and the lasagna taste less comforting. Pre-warm your plates in the oven (at the lowest setting) for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the lasagna warm and gooey.
• Presentation is Key: A beautiful dish makes the meal even more enjoyable. Transfer lasagna slices to warmed plates using a wide spatula. Drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
• Portion Control: Lasagna is rich and satisfying. While a hearty slice is fantastic, consider offering smaller portions for guests who might prefer a lighter option, especially if you have other dishes planned for the meal.

Nutrition in Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico is undeniably delicious, but it’s also a calorie powerhouse. Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your homemade version empowers you to make informed choices. Here’s a dive into the key nutrients you can expect:

• Calories: A standard serving of Olive Garden Lasagna Classico packs a punch at around 940 calories. This can vary slightly depending on how closely you replicate the recipe at home.
• Fat: Lasagna is known for its rich, cheesy goodness, and that translates to fat content. The Olive Garden version boasts around 55 grams of fat per serving, with a significant portion being saturated fat.
• Carbohydrates: Lasagna is primarily a carbohydrate dish. Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico contains roughly 44 grams of carbohydrates, with a portion coming from dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
• Protein: Lasagna offers a satisfying protein punch. A serving of Olive Garden Lasagna Classico provides around 48 grams of protein, thanks to the layers of meat sauce and cheese.
• Sodium: Be mindful of sodium content. Olive Garden Lasagna Classico is high in sodium, clocking in at around 2,260 milligrams per serving. This is something to consider if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe brings the warmth and flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. With its luscious layers of cheese, robust meat sauce, and tender noodles, this dish is not just a meal but a culinary experience.

Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, this homemade lasagna promises satisfaction with every forkful. Dive into the comfort of Italian-American cuisine and enjoy a taste of tradition, made fresh in your own kitchen.

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