Lasagna Maria
A hearty layered dish with savory sausage, rich cheeses, mushrooms, and pepperoni, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles; drain well.
- Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned; crumble.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir spaghetti sauce into the cooked sausage.
- Combine egg, ricotta cheese, parsley flakes, oregano, and pepper; mix well.
- In a baking dish, layer noodles, sausage mixture, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese; repeat layers as needed.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sausage mixture. You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. For extra creaminess, mix in a bit of cream cheese with the ricotta. Additionally, using fresh herbs instead of dried can elevate this dish, giving it a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna Maria pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Beef And Spinach Minestrone. A light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors well. Top with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Maria contains roughly 454 calories, with 18g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 28g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, Lasagna Maria can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze Lasagna Maria?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth as a substitute. Cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk can also work well for a richer texture. For a dairy-free option, try using tofu blended with nutritional yeast and a bit of lemon juice to mimic the 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).