Festive Lasagna
Festive Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful dish combining savory Italian sausage, rich cheeses, and a zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, its layers of pasta, meat, and cheese create a comforting, satisfying meal with bold flavors and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
- 2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 4 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) containers Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare lasagna according to package directions, then drain.
- Combine Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a skillet.
- Cook until sausage is no longer pink, stirring occasionally; then drain.
- Stir in drained tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, pepper, basil leaves, crushed red pepper, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, blend Ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and salt.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Layer 1/3 of the lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a portion of remaining sauce over noodles.
- Spread a layer of Ricotta mixture over the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the Ricotta layer.
- Repeat layers in the same order until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in a 375°F oven until bubbly, about 1 hour.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber. If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, try adding fresh oregano or thyme to the sauce. To save time, prepare the sauce ahead of time and let it sit to enhance the flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with Pizza Appetizers for a festive gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna. For an Italian-themed dinner, consider pairing it with a glass of Chianti. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, and it also makes a great leftover meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method keeps the cheese from getting rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Lasagna contains roughly 998 calories, with 27g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking, or bake from frozen, adding about 30 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream can also work, offering a rich flavor while maintaining creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).