Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that will make your dinner guests swoon! This Five Cheese Hot Italian Sausage Lasagna is not just another pasta dish—it's a decadent, cheese-laden masterpiece that combines the spicy kick of hot Italian sausage with a luxurious blend of five incredible cheeses. Imagine cutting through layers of perfectly cooked noodles, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese that stretch with every forkful. This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, brown the hot Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a deep golden color, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, laying the noodles flat to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Begin layering the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the first layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add half of the browned sausage over the ricotta, then sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta cheeses.
- Pour about 1/3 of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, sausage, and cheeses.
- Top the final layer with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with any remaining cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese surface. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the sausage and cheeses, to elevate the overall flavor.
- Don't overcook the lasagna noodles—aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano between layers.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
- Use a sharp knife and a spatula when serving to maintain the beautiful layered presentation.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking—just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, but keep the total quantity consistent.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 510kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
