Description
This easy Lasagna with Italian Sausage recipe offers a hearty and comforting meal packed with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, it combines vibrant flavors and satisfying textures that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned or homemade tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Noodles and Cheese
- 12 regular or no-boil lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), divided
- 1 ½ cups ricotta-style mixture
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir in fresh basil and parsley, then simmer gently to meld the flavors while preparing other components.
- Cook the Noodles: If using traditional noodles, boil them in salted water until al dente, then drain and lay them out flat to prevent sticking. For no-boil noodles, ensure you have enough sauce to cook them fully during baking.
- Mix the Ricotta-style Layer: Combine the ricotta-style mixture with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. This creamy layer balances the savory meat sauce perfectly.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Lightly grease your baking dish. Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom. Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling. Let it rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for clean, delicious servings.
Notes
- Brown sausage thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor and proper texture in the sauce.
- Do not overload noodles with sauce to avoid a watery dish; balance ingredients for a firm result.
- Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before serving to set perfectly for neat slices.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten every bite and add fresh aroma.
- Cover tightly when baking to trap steam and prevent drying out before center cooks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of lasagna)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lasagna, Italian sausage, comfort food, baked pasta, Italian recipe, easy dinner, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce