Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable italian sausage lasagna promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Layers of rich, melted cheese and hearty meat create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Pasta sheets nestle between savory ingredients, promising warmth with every forkful.

Home cooks adore this classic dish for its incredible depth of flavor.

Robust sausage brings robust character to traditional Italian cuisine.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making an unforgettable lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Easy Sausage Lasagna Is Always a Hit

• Craft Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with rich, meaty flavors and layers of creamy cheese that hugs every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe welcomes personal twists like adding vegetables, switching meat types, or experimenting with different cheese combinations.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: Generous baking dish serves multiple people, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and social gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, providing convenient leftovers for busy weekdays or quick lunch options.

What Makes This Lasagna So Easy and Delicious

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds depth and richness to the lasagna.
• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and substantial protein base for the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy layer that adds moisture and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers a classic stretchy and melty cheese experience.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Lasagna Noodles: The structural foundation that holds the layers of the lasagna together.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture and create a cohesive layer.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Dried Basil, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for light coating of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps control the cooking process and prevent excessive browning.

Layer It Up: How to Make Sausage Lasagna Fast

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Zone

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light olive oil rubdown to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Transform The Meat

In a large skillet, dance those sausage and ground beef pieces over medium-high heat. Break them into tiny crumbles, cooking until every bit loses its pink complexion.

Step 3: Enhance The Meat Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let those herbs party and release their awesome aromas.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl, then fold in ricotta cheese until smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: Build The Foundation

Spread a thin marinara sauce layer across the baking dish bottom to prevent noodle rebellion.

Step 6: First Noodle Layer

Arrange lasagna noodles with slight overlaps, creating a sturdy base.

Step 7: First Flavor Explosion

Spread half the ricotta-egg mixture over noodles. Generously scatter the seasoned meat mixture on top.

Step 8: Cheese First Round

Sprinkle one-third of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Step 9: Repeat The Magic

Add another noodle layer. Top with remaining ricotta mixture, meat, and another cheese third.

Step 10: Final Layer Extravaganza

Place final noodle layer. Crown with remaining marinara sauce and last cheese portion.

Step 11: Foil Protection

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring no cheese contact.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 25 more minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 13: Rest And Serve

Pull lasagna from oven. Let it chill for 15 minutes so layers can settle before serving.

Lasagna Pro Tips for Hearty Results

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Select Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Layer Strategically: Slightly overlap noodles and distribute ingredients evenly to create consistent texture and guarantee each bite has balanced flavors.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow lasagna to sit for 15 minutes after baking, which helps layers bind together and makes cutting and serving much easier.
• Freeze Friendly: Prepare lasagna ahead of time and freeze uncooked or baked, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain freshness for up to 3 months.

Easy Add-Ins and Switch-Ups for This Sausage Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and sausage with a hearty mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms, maintaining the same layering technique and cheese proportions.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Substitute traditional wheat lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets made from rice or corn, ensuring all other ingredients remain consistent with the original recipe.
• Mediterranean-Style Lasagna: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes into the ricotta mixture, swap Italian sausage for ground lamb, and add a sprinkle of oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Lasagna Night Done Right

• Pairing Sip & Savor Companions
• Robust Red Wine Harmony: Match this hearty lasagna with a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, whose tannic structure and rich berry notes perfectly complement the meat's deep flavors.
• Fresh Herbal Salad Sidekick: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding bright acidity to cut through the lasagna's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Garlic Bread Crunch Partner: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the lasagna to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast with its golden, buttery edges.

How to Store and Reheat Like a True Italian Nonna

• Store cooled lasagna in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep portions separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Cut a single portion, place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Sausage Lasagna FAQs That’ll Save Dinner

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain the meat thoroughly after cooking and avoid using watery marinara sauce. Use a thick, robust sauce to maintain the lasagna’s structure.

Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage lasagna layers rich flavors between delicate pasta sheets, creating a comforting classic that celebrates Mediterranean culinary traditions. Melted cheese, savory meat, and aromatic herbs blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delicious bite of this soul-warming dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb italian sausage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 eggs

Dairy:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Pantry & Herbs:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
2. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic flavors.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and combine with ricotta cheese, creating a smooth and creamy mixture for layering.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent noodles from sticking.
6. Arrange the first layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping to cover the sauce base.
7. Spread half of the ricotta-egg mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a generous layer of the seasoned meat mixture.
8. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the meat layer.
9. Repeat the layering process with another set of noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, meat, and another third of cheese.
10. Add a final layer of noodles, top with remaining marinara sauce and the last portion of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
12. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

• Use lean ground meats to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the classic lasagna.
• Replace traditional pasta sheets with zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds extra vegetable nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding ricotta salata or mixing in some goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the lasagna a day before baking to enhance flavor development and make meal planning easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 688
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg