Lasagne Sausage Casserole
A hearty lasagne sausage casserole with rich tomato sauce, cheesy rolls, and savory sausage, perfect for comforting family dinners and flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown sausage links over low heat in a heavy skillet; drain on paper towels.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of sausage drippings.
- Saute chopped onions and minced garlic in the drippings until crisp.
- Return sausage to the skillet.
- Stir in tomato juice, tomato paste, water, sugar, salt, and bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, then discard the bay leaf.
- Combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- Cook lasagne noodles; drain.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture on each noodle.
- Roll each noodle, starting at the narrow end, like a jelly roll.
- Spread 1 cup of sausage sauce in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the rolled noodles, seam side down, in the sauce.
- Spoon remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting Italian turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can also use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. Make sure to chop your onions finely to achieve a better blend in the sauce. If you're short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles to streamline the process.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, such as Mom's Antipasta Salad, and crusty Italian bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors. Leftovers make for a hearty lunch the next day, simply reheat and enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne Sausage Casserole contains roughly 773 calories, with 28g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1476mg per serving (64% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven for the recommended baking time.
What can I use instead of sausage?
You can replace sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain a flavorful profile. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to suit dietary preferences.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).