Description
This Italian Sausage Lasagna is a festive and flavorful main dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with spicy hot Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, fresh basil, and a rich blend of three cheeses, this lasagna offers a hearty, comforting meal that’s a family favorite. The layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, creamy cheese mixtures, and savory sausage sauce come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fresh Herbs
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Meat
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
Dairy
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup water
- 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare noodles: Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare bell peppers for layering and decoration: If making the Christmas tree design on top, reserve one-third of each bell pepper. Dice the remaining bell peppers and set aside for cooking.
- Cook sausage and vegetables: In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the hot Italian sausage for about 2 minutes, breaking it apart with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the diced bell peppers, diced yellow onion, and garlic powder. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: While the sausage cooks, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth. Gradually add the milk in a steady stream with the mixer on low, then increase mixer speed to medium and continue blending until the mixture is light, creamy, and lump-free, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the cheese blend: In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Reserve 1½ cups of this cheese mixture for topping the lasagna, and add the remaining cheese to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until evenly incorporated.
- Combine sausage mixture with sauce and basil: Drain excess fat from the sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir in the jarred pasta sauce, water, and chopped basil until well combined.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread one-third of the sausage sauce mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles. Add another layer of 3 noodles, half of the remaining sausage mixture, followed by another 3 noodles. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture, then the last 3 noodles, top with the remaining sausage sauce mixture and the reserved 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Arrange the reserved bell pepper pieces on top to create a Christmas tree design if desired.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minutes before slicing to set. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking, boil them in salted water until just al dente and drain immediately.
- Reserving some bell peppers for decoration adds a festive touch, but this step is optional.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute hot Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage.
- Letting the lasagna cool before cutting ensures clean slices and helps the layers hold together.
- You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking, then bake as directed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
