Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Olive Garden-Style Lasagna

Delicious Olive Garden Lasagna with layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce
A rich, saucy, and comforting lasagna that combines savory Italian sausage, well-browned beef, creamy ricotta, and generous layers of melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 9 pieces lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce Use a quality jar or homemade

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Mild or sweet, casing removed

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese Swap for part-skim for a lighter filling or use blended cottage cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Egg and Seasoning

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Or 2 tsp dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment or a lightly oiled tray to prevent sticking.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking meat into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the browned meat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Assembly

  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange three lasagna noodles on top.
  • Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over noodles, dollop and spread half the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella.
  • Repeat: noodles, sauce, remaining ricotta, and another third of mozzarella.
  • Finish with the last three noodles, remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan on top.

Baking

  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to set the layers.

Notes

For best results, let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before cutting. This ensures slices hold together. Can be prepared ahead of time and baked the next day. Great with a side salad and garlic bread.