Peppy Lasagna
Peppy Lasagna offers a hearty blend of sausage, vegetables, and rich cheeses layered with flavorful tomato sauce. Its savory profile and comforting texture make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy classic Italian-inspired comfort food with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bulk sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 10 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 c. Ricotta or cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped parsley
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 16 oz. Mozzarella, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook sausage, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrot until the meat is lightly browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of bulk sausage. If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the cooking step. Fresh herbs can replace dried oregano for a brighter taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese, similar to what you might find in Stuffed Shells.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Peppy Lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the sausage and cheese. For a twist, try it alongside Gigi'S Delicious Spaghetti Dinner for a hearty Italian feast that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For best taste, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppy Lasagna contains roughly 1109 calories, with 58g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (322% of the Daily Value), iron (188% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (167% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1903mg per serving (83% 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 Peppy Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cream cheese or a blend of cottage cheese and sour cream as a substitute. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and rich flavor to your lasagna.
Can I freeze Peppy Lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, cool the lasagna completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and you can enjoy it just like freshly made lasagna.
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).