Sausage Lasagna
A rich and savory sausage lasagna with layers of herbed ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a robust tomato meat sauce. This is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 75 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sausage Ragu
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to break it into small pieces until browned.
- c.Drain off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 1 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- f.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently cook for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Ricotta Filling
- b.While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, 0.5 cup of the grated Parmesan, the beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley.
- c.Season with the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper.
- d.Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Lasagna
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Spread 1.5 cups of the sausage ragu evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
- d.Arrange a single layer of no-boil noodles over the sauce. You may need to break some noodles to fit the dish perfectly.
- e.Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- f.Top with another 1.5 cups of the sausage ragu.
- g.Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another 1.5 cups of ragu.
- h.Place the final layer of noodles on top. Spread the rest of the sausage ragu over the noodles, ensuring they are fully covered.
- i.Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and 0.5 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Golden Perfection
- b.Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and helps cook the noodles.
- c.Bake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil.
- d.Continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- e.If you like a crispier top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest, Slice, and Serve
- b.Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- c.This crucial step allows the layers to set, preventing the lasagna from falling apart when you cut into it.
- d.Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use whole milk ricotta and low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella. Part-skim versions contain more water and can make the lasagna runny.
- 2Don't skip the resting period! It's the secret to clean, well-defined slices.
- 3If you have time, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepen significantly.
- 4Ensure the top layer of noodles is completely covered with sauce to prevent them from becoming dry and hard during baking.
- 5This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. Assemble but do not bake, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the Italian sausage with 1 lb of crumbled plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, and increase the red pepper flakes to 1 full teaspoon or more, according to your heat preference.
Meat Lover'sMeat Lover's
Use a combination of 0.5 lb Italian sausage and 0.5 lb lean ground beef for a different flavor profile and texture.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Incorporate other cheeses like shredded provolone or asiago into the mozzarella for a more complex and nutty cheese flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of Italian sausage and three types of cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Calcium
With generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, this lasagna is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in the ragu are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to various health benefits.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (one slice) of this sausage lasagna contains approximately 605 calories, though this can vary based on the specific brands of sausage and cheese used.