Italian-American Thanksgiving: Why Lasagna is the Real Star

Growing up Italian in Queens, Thanksgiving meant waking up to the smell of Ma’s sauce simmering on the stove. While everyone else was thinking turkey, our family was getting ready for the lasagna—a dish so cherished it sat at the center of the table, while the turkey took a lonely spot at the end.

And let’s talk sides! Picture big, juicy meatballs, perfect to pair with that layered lasagna masterpiece, or crispy stuffed artichokes to get everyone warmed up. With each dish, our Italian Thanksgiving was less about following the norm and more about celebrating our Italian roots with every bite.

Top 10 Italian-American Thanksgiving Recipes for an Unforgettable Feast

Want to bring some Italian flavor to your Thanksgiving? Here are ten Italian-inspired dishes that make for a festive table full of love, laughter, and delicious memories:

  1. Lasagna - The main course that always steals the spotlight.
  2. Stuffed artichokes - A family favorite appetizer, loaded with Italian flavors.
  3. Meatballs - Juicy, rich, and the size of baseballs!
  4. Cannolis - Sweet Italian pastries perfect for dessert.
  5. Ricotta Cheesecake - A creamy Italian twist on the classic.
  6. Focaccia Bread - Fresh, homemade, and perfect for sopping up sauce.
  7. Antipasto Salad - A fresh mix of Italian meats, cheese, and olives.
  8. Baked Ziti - An easy, cheesy crowd-pleaser.
  9. Tiramisu - The ultimate Italian coffee dessert.
  10. Italian cookies - A plate of Italian cookies is pure comfort.

Here’s a classic Italian-American lasagna recipe, loaded with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce, and pasta, just like it’s served at big Italian family gatherings. This recipe is inspired by Lidia Bastianich, a beloved Italian-American chef known for bringing authentic Italian flavors to American tables with a comforting twist.

Italian-American Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 box lasagna noodles, cooked
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

    • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    • Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

    • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the parsley. Mix until smooth and set aside.

  3. Assemble the Lasagna:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
    • Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a thin layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

  4. Bake and Serve:

    • Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This Italian-American lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining savory, cheesy layers and a hearty meat sauce that makes it perfect for family gatherings. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad for a full Italian-American feast!

The recipe is inspired by Lidia Bastianich’s classic Italian-American cooking style.

Why Italian Thanksgiving Traditions Matter

Thanksgiving with an Italian twist is about bringing people together to share in laughter, love, and memories. For Italian-Americans, it’s a chance to honor our roots, with recipes passed down from generation to generation, linking us back to family and heritage. Whether it’s Nonna telling stories about her first Thanksgiving or watching the kids sneak a taste of the ricotta cheesecake, it’s these little moments that remind us of why we gather.

Embrace this Italian-American tradition in your own home with some of our favorite Italian-inspired Thanksgiving recipes and products like our traditional lasagna pan, Italian tableware, and bring Italy’s flavors to life in your kitchen.