Description
This easy homemade Italian Sausage Lasagna is a hearty, comforting family dinner featuring layers of spicy sausage, creamy cheeses, and robust tomato sauce. Perfect for gatherings, weeknights, or making ahead for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth for a creamier texture)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for topping
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Dice onion, mince garlic, and chop fresh herbs. If using regular lasagna noodles, boil in salted water according to package instructions, drain, and lay flat on parchment paper. Skip boiling if using oven-ready noodles.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add Italian sausage, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned (about 5-7 minutes), add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese (blend smooth if desired), Parmesan, egg, parsley, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until well blended. If too dry, add a splash of milk.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon a thin layer of sausage sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles (about 3 or 4), overlapping slightly. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over noodles, top with one-third of the sausage sauce, then sprinkle with one-third of mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
- Cover lasagna loosely with foil (spray underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
For best results, shred mozzarella yourself for better melt. Let lasagna rest before slicing for clean layers. Sauce can be made ahead for deeper flavor. Use oven-ready noodles for convenience. Adapt with gluten-free noodles or plant-based sausage and cheese for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of the pan)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: lasagna, Italian sausage, family dinner, comfort food, easy lasagna, homemade lasagna, cheesy lasagna, pasta bake, casserole, Italian recipe