Why You’ll Love Sweet & Spicy Sausage Lasagna Recipe
This lasagna strikes the perfect balance of spice and comfort. The combination of sweet and spicy Italian sausage gives the sauce depth and character, while the layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a creamy, melty texture throughout. Fresh basil and oregano add aromatic brightness that elevates this dish into a memorable meal, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box lasagna noodles (boil or oven ready)
8–10 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
4 cups mozzarella cheese
2 links spicy Italian sausage (or 1/2 pound bulk)
2 links sweet Italian sausage (or 1/2 pound bulk)
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Ricotta filling:
2/3 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
3 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp salt & black pepper
1 egg
Directions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare noodles: If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water. If using oven‑ready noodles, skip this step.
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Cook the sausage: Remove sausages from their casings and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Make ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, shredded Parmesan, chopped basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until smooth.
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Layer the lasagna: Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a 13×9‑inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spoon the ricotta mixture, cooked sausage, mozzarella, and some fresh basil. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 30–60 seconds. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 8 slices
Prep Time: ~25 minutes
Cook Time: ~40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Cheese swap: Try part‑skim ricotta or cottage cheese for a lighter filling.
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Spice level: Use more spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
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Herb twist: Add fresh parsley or thyme for a unique aromatic finish.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through. You can also use the microwave for single portions.
FAQs
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Use the right amount of sauce and bake covered for part of the time to control moisture. Finish uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken Italian sausage can be used as a lighter alternative to pork.
Do I have to boil lasagna noodles?
Not if you’re using oven‑ready noodles. Traditional noodles should be boiled until al dente first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What’s the best sauce to use?
A good-quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes works beautifully.
Can I skip the ricotta?
Yes. Use cottage cheese instead, or simply add extra mozzarella and Parmesan if you prefer.
How do I keep the top from burning?
Cover with foil during the first part of baking, and only broil for a short time at the end if you want a golden crust.
What herbs work best?
Fresh basil and oregano are perfect, but parsley or thyme also add great flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, you can layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover with foil and reheat in the oven. Add a spoonful of sauce if needed to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Sweet & Spicy Sausage Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful spin on a beloved classic. With the richness of Italian sausage, layers of creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, it delivers comfort in every bite. Whether made for a cozy family dinner or meal prepped for the week, this lasagna is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Sweet & Spicy Sausage Lasagna
This Sweet & Spicy Sausage Lasagna is a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish. Made with sweet Italian sausage, spicy Calabrian chili paste, creamy ricotta, and layers of pasta and cheese, it delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Calabrian chili paste (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt (for ricotta mixture)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for ricotta mixture)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, Calabrian chili paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the pan, stir to combine, and let simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then a layer of ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less Calabrian chili paste.
- This lasagna can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
