Layer Up Chicago-Style with This Delicious Classic Lasagna Recipe

When it comes to hearty comfort food, few dishes can match the satisfying layers of a well-made lasagna. In Chicago, where bold flavors and rich comfort foods reign supreme, lasagna has become a family favorite, a dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Inspired by Olive Garden’s Italian Kitchen, this Classic Lasagna recipe combines the best of Italian flavors with a midwestern love for robust, satisfying meals.

Photo byNick Davies

Picture this: layers of tender noodles, a rich meat sauce made with Italian sausage and ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and a melty topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a meal that brings the family together around the table, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it on a Sunday night or freezing the leftovers for a quick weeknight meal, this lasagna is a go-to recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort.

The beauty of this lasagna lies in its balance of flavors. The sausage adds a savory kick, while the ricotta and mozzarella add a creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the tomato-based sauce. The no-boil noodles make the recipe even easier to prepare, allowing you to build your lasagna with ease and confidence. Chicagoans know a thing or two about comfort food, and this dish is no exception—it’s as filling as it is delicious.

Recipe: Chicago-Style Classic Lasagna Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces bulk mild Italian sausage
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 1½ teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• ½ cup minced fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 uncooked no-boil lasagna noodles
• 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sausage, ground beef, onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook and stir for about 10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the egg. Stir in the ricotta, ½ cup of Parmesan, parsley, the remaining garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper until well blended.
4. Spread ¼ cup of the sauce in the prepared baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and top with 2 cups of sauce. Repeat layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce two more times. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella on top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before serving.

This classic lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with rich, satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The meaty sauce, paired with the creamy ricotta and stretchy mozzarella, creates a perfect bite every time. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad, and you have a meal that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen—whether in Chicago or beyond.

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and this version doesn’t disappoint. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat, with layers of goodness that make each bite feel like a hug on a plate. Perfect for a family gathering or a casual dinner at home, this lasagna will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Sources:

Family Recipe