Italian Sausage Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese

Italian Sausage Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, cheesy, and layered with bold Italian flavors. Every bite is a balance of tender pasta sheets, seasoned sausage sauce, creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and a golden, bubbly parmesan topping. This classic Italian-American favorite has earned its reputation as a dish for celebrations, cozy family dinners, and special gatherings.

Lasagna is more than just food—it’s a layered experience. From building each component to watching the melted cheesy top emerge golden from the oven, it feels like cooking with love. When sliced, each layer reveals itself like a ribbon of flavor, making it as visually satisfying as it is delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this lasagna because:

• The Italian sausage adds extra depth and seasoning beyond standard ground beef.
• The ricotta mixture makes the dish creamy, soft, and luxurious.
• It’s perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day.
• It feeds a family or a gathering with minimal effort once assembled.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This lasagna is a must-try because:

• It combines traditional Italian flavor with simple cooking techniques.
• It's a crowd-pleasing classic, universally loved by kids and adults.
• It freezes beautifully, making it excellent for busy weeks.
• It’s versatile—easily adapted to add vegetables, spices, or different cheeses.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24–26 oz) marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
• ¼ tsp salt and pinch of pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra parmesan (for topping)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown for 6–8 minutes.
3. Stir in onions and cook until softened.
4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
5. Mix in marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

• Cook noodles according to package instructions if not using oven-ready pasta.
• Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Layer as follows:
   • Lasagna noodles
   • Ricotta mixture
   • Meat sauce
   • Mozzarella
4. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
5. Finish with sauce, mozzarella, and extra parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with foil (sprayed with oil to prevent sticking).
2. Bake 30 minutes covered, then 15–20 minutes uncovered until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest

• Let sit 10–15 minutes before slicing so layers hold.

How to Serve

Serve warm with:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Caesar salad or mixed greens
• A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot) or sparkling water

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Recipe Tips

✔ Use whole milk cheeses for the creamiest melt.
✔ Let the lasagna rest before cutting—it will slice perfectly.
✔ Add extra sauce if you like a juicier lasagna.

Variations

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days
• Freezer (uncooked or cooked): Up to 3 months
• Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave slices.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I skip ricotta?
You may replace it with cottage cheese (blended smooth for best texture).

Q: Why let it rest?
Resting prevents messy slices and allows layers to set.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese is a timeless dish full of comfort and tradition. From tender noodles to rich layers of creamy cheese and savory sausage, every forkful feels like a warm embrace. This recipe is reliable, customizable, and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or weekly meal prep.