italian sausage lasagna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian sausage lasagna recipe

I’ve been making Italian sausage lasagna for years, and it’s still a family favorite. This dish is a staple in many Italian households, and its rich flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese is a winner in my book.

I love how this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit my family’s tastes. My kids adore helping me assemble the lasagna layers, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking. Plus, this dish is relatively healthy compared to other comfort food favorites, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to reduce the amount of salt and sugar, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. The best part? This recipe makes plenty of leftovers, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

I often freeze individual portions for quick reheats on busy weeknights. My family never gets tired of this classic Italian dish, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same way once you try it out! As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly adaptable – feel free to swap out different types of cheese or add some sautéed spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

The beauty of lasagna lies in its versatility, making it an excellent choice for any gathering or mealtime occasion. I’m excited to share this beloved recipe with you today!

Italian Sausage Lasagna

4.9 from 1876 votes

A hearty lasagna featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and layers of tender pasta. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering.

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Filling

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
6Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
8Return the cooked sausage to the pan.
9Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
11Stir until well blended.
12Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
13Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
14Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella.
15Repeat layers two more times, ending with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
16Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
17Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
18Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a spicier lasagna, use hot Italian sausage. You can also substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage. Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps the layers set for cleaner slices.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sausage Lasagna Works

This Italian sausage lasagna recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family members as well!

If you have any leftover portions (which are likely), don’t hesitate to freeze them for future meals – just reheat according to your preference. And remember – feel free to customize this recipe however suits your taste buds best!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Lasagna

Q: What type of Italian sausage should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using sweet or mild Italian sausage, as they provide a nice balance of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef or pork for the Italian sausage?

While you can certainly experiment with other meats, keep in mind that they’ll change the flavor profile of your lasagna significantly.

Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too soggy or wet?

To avoid sogginess, make sure your tomato sauce isn’t too runny and that you’re not over-moistening the layers with too much cheese or excess moisture from the meat.

Q: Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight?

You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance; simply refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Q: What if I want to make individual portions instead of one large lasagna?

No problem – just use smaller baking dishes or ramekins to create individual servings.

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