Name: Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped; 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped; 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped; 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1½ pounds Italian sausage (bulk or removed from casing); ¾ cup dry red wine; 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes; ½ cup heavy cream; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1½ teaspoons dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 (15-oz) container whole milk ricotta (about 1¾ cups); 3 oz cream cheese; 1 large egg; 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped; ¾ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, divided; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil; 12 oven ready, no boil lasagna noodles (such as Barilla); 16 oz shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 76 reviews

There is something irresistibly comforting about a hearty, homemade lasagna, and this Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe truly captures all that warm, cozy magic in every bite. Imagine layers of savory Italian sausage and creamy ricotta cheese mingling with rich tomato sauce and bubbling mozzarella, all nestled between tender no-boil noodles. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will make you feel like you’re sitting at a rustic Italian table. It’s perfect for a special dinner or anytime you want a little taste of Italy at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ingredients for cooking arranged neatly on a white marbled surface with a white tiled background. From left to right, there is a box of Barilla oven-ready lasagne next to two carrots, a celery stalk, and an onion in front. In front of the onion, there are four cloves of garlic. Behind the garlic and near center is a small bowl with grated cheese and a small glass container with black pepper. Centered is a glass bowl with three raw sausage links on top. Behind the sausage bowl, there is a can of crushed tomatoes. To the right behind are two red packets of shredded mozzarella cheese. Right in front of the packets, there is a carton of heavy whipping cream and a tub of ricotta cheese beside a block of cream cheese. To the right in front of the sausage bowl is a fresh egg, and behind it is some green leafy spinach. Behind the egg and spinach stands a bottle of olive oil next to a dark bottle of red wine. The overall colors on the white marble are natural reds, greens, whites, and browns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe are simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor layers, from the sweetness of the carrots and celery in the sauce to the creamy, cheesy richness of ricotta and mozzarella. With fresh herbs and carefully chosen seasonings, every bite bursts with authentic Italian goodness.

Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when finely minced into the sauce.

Garlic cloves: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that elevates every layer.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and texture to the tomato sauce.
Celery stalk: Enhances the sauce with a mild earthiness and crunch.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds smooth richness without overpowering flavors.
Italian sausage: The star of the dish, offering spice and savoriness with every bite.
Dry red wine: Deepens the sauce’s complexity with subtle acidic notes.

Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, giving it body and vibrancy.
Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety finish to the sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning each component perfectly.

Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a harmonious flavor.
Dried thyme and bay leaves: Add fragrant herbal undertones that infuse the sauce.
Whole milk ricotta: Provides creamy texture and mild tang in the cheese layer.

Cream cheese: Blends with ricotta for extra richness and smoothness.
Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for perfect spreading.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: Adds a nutty, salty bite both in the ricotta mix and as a topping.
Fresh basil: Brings fresh, aromatic brightness to the cheese filling.

No boil lasagna noodles: Convenient and tender, they create the perfect layers.
Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic gooey topping.

How to Make Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by finely mincing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a food processor until the vegetables are soft but not pureed, creating the flavorful base for your sauce. Then, brown the sausage lightly in olive oil, bringing out rich, meaty flavors while keeping some texture. Set the sausage aside for now.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Add Wine

In the same pot, with a little more olive oil, sauté the minced veggies gently until tender but not browned. This step makes sure the sauce has a delicate, sweet complexity. Next, pour in the red wine and cook down a bit to concentrate the flavor and scrape the pan’s tasty bits from the bottom.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, seasonings including salt, pepper, sugar, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer gently, thickening and marrying all the flavors. Chop the sausage into smaller pieces and return it to the sauce to finish cooking and infuse its spices fully.

Step 4: Make the Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce simmers, blend together the ricotta, cream cheese, egg, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then fold in chopped fresh basil—this adds a lovely herbal freshness to the creamy cheese filling that contrasts beautifully with the hearty sausage sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of sauce in a baking dish, then arrange three noodles on top, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion. Dollop a third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with noodles topped by remaining sauce and cheeses. Cover with foil sprayed with nonstick spray.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered for 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and noodles to cook thoroughly. Then remove the foil and turn up the oven to 400°F (205°C) to brown and bubble the top for about 20 minutes. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the layers set beautifully.

How to Serve Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

A single piece of lasagna sits on a white plate, showing about six visible layers of pasta, rich red meat sauce, and a creamy white melted cheese topping. The top has a slightly browned, bubbly texture with browned bits of cheese and sauce. Behind the plate, a larger white baking dish with more lasagna, some pieces missing, is visible. The background surface is a white marbled texture. A dark wine bottle and a glass of red wine are blurred in the background. A silver fork rests beside the lasagna on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple scattering of extra fresh basil leaves or a light sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano right before serving adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that will have everyone eager for the first bite. A few whole basil leaves on the side also bring a lovely, inviting look.

Side Dishes

This classic lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables. A basket of crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve a slice with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a spicy chili oil depending on your taste. Individual portions baked in ramekins or mini casserole dishes make charming servings for dinner parties or festive occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. The flavors deepen even more after resting overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in an airtight container before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method helps preserve that wonderful baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute with spicy chorizo, mild breakfast sausage, or even ground beef for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.

Do I have to use no-boil noodles?

No-boil noodles are convenient and work great here, but you can use regular lasagna noodles if you prefer—just cook them according to package instructions before layering to ensure they’re tender.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies for the filling. You can enhance the sauce with extra herbs and perhaps some smoked paprika to add depth in place of the meat.

Is it possible to prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready. This makes it a great make-ahead meal for entertaining or busy weeknights.

How should I serve leftovers to keep them moist?

If reheating leftover lasagna, adding a splash of tomato sauce or water before covering and warming will help retain moisture and prevent drying out, keeping it just as delicious as the first serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making and sharing this Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe. It’s a dish that invites smiles, hearty appetites, and a wonderful sense of togetherness. So go ahead and give it a try—it’s a family favorite in the making, full of bold flavors and cozy traditions that are sure to warm your heart and kitchen.

Classic Italian Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need