If you have ever dreamed of a hearty, cheesy lasagna that comes together without the fuss of boiling noodles first, then this No Boil Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe will quickly become your new favorite comfort meal. Layered with rich Italian sausage, creamy ricotta infused with herbs, melty mozzarella, and provolone cheeses, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this dish offers incredible flavor with minimal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be your go-to for that classic Italian feast with a modern twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the delicious layers of this lasagna. From the savory sausage to the herb-kissed ricotta and the blend of cheeses, every element builds on the next for a symphony of flavors and textures that deliver true Italian comfort food.
- Mild Italian sausage: Browning and draining this brings out a savory, juicy base that enriches every bite.
- Lasagna noodles: Regular or oven ready noodles — no need to boil — these create sturdy but tender layers.
- Marinara sauce: A robust, tomato-rich sauce that moistens the layers and infuses them with classic Italian flavor.
- Whole milk ricotta: This creamy cheese balances the tang and texture with smooth richness.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling for perfect consistency and holds the layers together.
- Dried oregano: Adds warm, slightly peppery herbal notes that brighten the ricotta mix.
- Dried basil: Infuses a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible melt and stretchiness that defines a great lasagna.
- Provolone cheese: Adds a subtle sharpness and creaminess that elevates the overall cheese blend.
How to Make No Boil Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ricotta Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly heated for a slow, even bake. While it warms, mix together the whole milk ricotta, egg, dried oregano, and dried basil in a small bowl. This herbed ricotta mixture is key to making your lasagna layers creamy and flavorful. Set it aside so the herbs can mingle and develop.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Cook the mild Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep the flavors rich but not greasy. This browned sausage will be layered throughout your lasagna, providing a juicy, savory backbone.
Step 3: Build Your First Layer
Pour one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch lasagna pan. This base layer prevents sticking and infuses flavor right from the bottom. Next, cover the sauce with 4 to 5 lasagna noodles in a single layer, no boiling required. These noodles will absorb moisture from the sauce as they bake, becoming tender and perfect.
Step 4: Add Ricotta, Sausage, and Cheese Layers
Spoon half a cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and spread it evenly. Top this with half a cup of the cooked sausage, distributing it in every corner. Then, layer 6 slices of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by 2 cups of your marinara sauce. This combination creates a luscious, gooey layer that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers with a Twist
Continue by placing another layer of noodles, then the remaining ricotta mixture and sausage. This time, switch up the cheese by layering 6 slices of provolone on top. The provolone adds a delightful sharpness that contrasts with the milder mozzarella, creating more depth to your lasagna.
Step 6: Final Layer and Baking Prep
Top with the last of the marinara sauce, another noodle layer, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the rest of the Italian sausage. Finally, finish the top with 6 slices of mozzarella and 3 slices of provolone cheese to guarantee a bubbly, golden crust. Cover the pan tightly with foil and set aside until you’re ready to bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your lasagna covered with foil for 30 minutes to allow the noodles to soften and flavors to meld. Then remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beautifully browned on top. Let it rest for 15 minutes to set up before slicing — this step ensures clean, perfect pieces full of luscious layers and gooey cheese.
How to Serve No Boil Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already delicious lasagna, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving. A little fresh basil or parsley adds lovely color and brightness, contrasting the rich layers. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a subtle, savory kick.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the lasagna’s richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, make a simple yet elegant accompaniment that rounds out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this lasagna family-style right from the pan to keep it casual and inviting. For a more formal touch, portion individual slices and plate with a sprig of fresh herbs and a side of colorful salad greens. You can also try layering it in smaller, individual ramekins for charming personal servings that wow guests with their presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No Boil Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your slice with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For quick reheating, the microwave works fine but may result in softer noodles. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before reheating helps refresh the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy sausage will add more kick to your lasagna, making it a great option if you love a little heat. Just make sure to adjust any additional seasonings to balance the spice.
Do I have to use both mozzarella and provolone cheese?
While you can use just one type of cheese, combining mozzarella and provolone offers a perfect blend of creaminess and subtle sharpness that elevates the dish. If you prefer one over the other, feel free to customize based on your cheese preferences.
What if I only have regular lasagna noodles and not oven-ready?
This recipe works well with either kind. Regular noodles will soften perfectly while baking thanks to the sauce. Just ensure your sauce is generous and cover the lasagna tightly during baking to avoid drying out.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes a busy day much easier and the flavors even more developed.
Why is it important to let the lasagna rest after baking?
Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut neat slices without the filling spilling out. It also helps the flavors meld nicely before serving, giving you the best taste experience.
Final Thoughts
This No Boil Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings hearty comfort and ease to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, its simple yet luscious layers invite you into the joy of Italian home cooking without the fuss. I promise sharing this dish with family or friends will earn you rave reviews and warm smiles. So roll up your sleeves and dive into making this unforgettable lasagna soon – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
No Boil Italian Sausage Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This No Boil Lasagna recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite without the hassle of pre-cooking noodles. Layers of savory Italian sausage, rich ricotta cheese blend, savory marinara sauce, and melting mozzarella and provolone cheeses come together to create a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Mild Italian sausage, browned and drained
Pasta
- 15 Lasagna noodles (regular or oven ready)
Sauces and Cheese
- 48 ounces Marinara sauce
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 12 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 9 slices Provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the lasagna evenly.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a small bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta, one large egg, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Start layering with sauce and noodles: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch lasagna pan. Cover the sauce with 4 to 5 lasagna noodles arranged evenly.
- Add first cheese and meat layers: Spoon ½ cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and spread it out. Add ½ cup of the cooked Italian sausage evenly on top. Layer 6 slices of mozzarella cheese over the meat, then pour 2 cups of marinara sauce on top.
- Build the second layer: Repeat the layering process with noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, cooked sausage, and top with 6 slices of provolone cheese.
- Add third layer: Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the provolone, add another layer of noodles, spread the remaining ricotta mixture, and distribute the remaining cooked Italian sausage evenly.
- Finish with cheese: Top the lasagna with the remaining 6 slices of mozzarella and 3 slices of provolone cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and set aside until ready to bake.
- Bake the lasagna: Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking: Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Rest before serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to set before cutting. Serve warm, optionally garnished with grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can use oven-ready noodles to simplify the process as they do not require pre-boiling.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold its shape for cleaner slices.
- Feel free to add extra herbs or spices according to preference for more flavor.
- For a lower fat version, you can substitute part of the sausage with lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Covering the lasagna during baking prevents the top from drying out and helps melt the cheese perfectly.
