Sausage Lasagna
Sausage lasagna combines savory smoked sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (1 lb.) package lasagna ⓘ
- 1 lb. round smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, grated ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare lasagna according to package directions and drain.
- In a large skillet, cook sausage, onion, and carrot until the onion is tender.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, basil, fennel seed, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, blend together Ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and salt.
- Layer cooked lasagna, sausage mixture, and ricotta mixture in a baking dish, topping with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for the smoked sausage. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese works well in the mixture. Adding fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sausage mixture can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Be sure to let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty sausage lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple Italian soup can also be great accompaniments. For a delightful twist, pair it with a slice of Aunt Alice's Stromboli for a satisfying Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Lasagna contains roughly 779 calories, with 40g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (126% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1959mg 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 ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of smoked sausage?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the smoked sausage with Italian sausage or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute to maintain the heartiness of the dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).