Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

The Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe is a delicious, hearty dish featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. Topped with a flavorful marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection, this copycat recipe recreates the restaurant’s classic, offering a savory, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Craving the comforting, cheesy goodness of Olive Garden’s famous lasagna? This homemade version brings all the flavors of the classic dish right to your kitchen!

With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a blend of Parmesan, this lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a hearty family meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Rich and Flavorful Layers: This lasagna is packed with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, offering a satisfying bite in every forkful.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate Olive Garden’s iconic lasagna in your own kitchen, delivering the same delicious taste and texture you love from the restaurant.
• Hearty and Filling: Perfectly balanced with pasta, cheese, and sauce, this lasagna makes for a hearty meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or enjoying multiple times throughout the week.

Olive Garden Lasagna Ingredients

• Ground beef – lean ground beef for hearty meat sauce
• Italian sausage – adds flavor and richness to the sauce
• Ricotta cheese – creamy filling for layering in the lasagna
• Mozzarella cheese – melty, stretchy cheese for a gooey texture
• Parmesan cheese – sharp, nutty flavor to complement the other cheeses
• Egg – helps bind the ricotta cheese filling together
• Lasagna noodles – classic pasta to hold the layers together
• Marinara sauce – rich, tangy base for the meat sauce
• Garlic – aromatic flavor to enhance the meat sauce
• Onion – adds sweetness and depth to the sauce

How To Make Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Step One: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Slowly, stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Step Two: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper.

Step Three: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step Four: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cooked noodles over the sauce, followed by a portion of the ricotta mixture, then a generous layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step Five: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and high-quality marinara sauce. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste!
• Pre-cook the Noodles: Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente, as they will continue cooking while baking. This prevents them from becoming too soft and mushy.
• Layering Tips: When assembling, start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Be generous with each layer to ensure the lasagna is flavorful and filling.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cook time since it will be cold.
• Add Extra Flavor: For a more robust sauce, consider adding red pepper flakes, fresh herbs like basil, or a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
• Customize the Cheese: While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are traditional, you can also add provolone or cheddar for a twist on flavor.
• Cover While Baking: To prevent the top from burning and the cheese from drying out, cover the lasagna with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown on

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

• Storing: Store leftover Olive Garden lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To prevent it from drying out, cover it with foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the lasagna at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, covered with foil. If reheating individual portions, microwave on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.

What To Serve With Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe

Olive Garden Lasagna is a hearty, filling dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve it with a crisp, refreshing salad—like a classic Caesar or a simple mixed greens salad with Italian dressing—to balance the richness of the lasagna.

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must to soak up any leftover sauce, and a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, adds a healthy touch to the meal. This combination creates a well-rounded, satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy!

Olive Garden Lasagna Recipe Faqs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. It will still provide a great texture and flavor, but keep in mind that the taste might be slightly different.

Can I make this lasagna in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready, just bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

Can I freeze Olive Garden lasagna? Yes, you can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from cottage cheese if using.

How do I make the lasagna less watery? To prevent watery lasagna, be sure to drain the cooked ground beef and vegetables thoroughly. Additionally, avoid using too much sauce, and make sure the ricotta mixture is not too thin.

Can I add extra vegetables to the lasagna? Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook and drain any vegetables to remove excess moisture before adding them.

More Easy Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

• olive garden chicken scampi
• olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
• olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
• olive garden chicken marsala recipe
• olive garden creamy garlic sauce
• air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
• air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
• air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
• air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
• air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
• instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
• air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella

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