When it comes to comfort food, lasagna is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. This Johnsonville® Italian Sausage Lasagna recipe takes the beloved dish to new heights by incorporating the bold, authentic flavors of Johnsonville Italian Ground Sausage. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite.
Gathering Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
The key to this dish’s success lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each contributing something unique to the final product. At the heart of the recipe is Johnsonville® Italian Ground Sausage, which brings a rich, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish. Paired with marinara sauce and dried oregano, the sausage creates a robust meat sauce that serves as the foundation of the lasagna.
For the creamy layers, we use ricotta cheese mixed with a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. This combination adds a luxurious texture and a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the meat sauce. Shredded mozzarella cheese ties everything together, creating gooey, cheesy layers that are simply irresistible. Finally, cooked lasagna noodles provide structure, holding all the components in place for a perfectly layered bake.
Preparing the Dish: A Step-by-Step Journey
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how straightforward and rewarding the process feels. It starts with cooking the sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions are tender. This step fills the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma that sets the tone for the meal. Once cooked, I drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce and oregano, letting the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
While the sauce simmers, I prepare the ricotta cheese mixture by combining it with a beaten egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and chopped spinach. This mixture is light yet flavorful, adding a creamy contrast to the hearty meat sauce. With both components ready, it’s time to assemble the lasagna.
Assembling the Lasagna: Layer Upon Layer of Goodness
Layering the lasagna is where the magic happens. In a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, I start by spreading a cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. This ensures the noodles don’t stick and provides a flavorful base. Next, I arrange three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by one-fourth of the ricotta mixture, a cup of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. I repeat this process three more times, building up the layers until the dish is nearly full.
