One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
Discover a simple, flavorful One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne recipe perfect for quick, delicious weeknight dinners. This dish blends savory sausage, sweet roasted peppers, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all in one pan—making it an effortless dish that does not sacrifice any of the comfort or traditional charm of classic lasagne.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes and less mess to worry about after dinner.
- Rich, Balanced Flavors: Roasted peppers add subtle sweetness while sausage brings a savory punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in under an hour, it fits easily into any hectic schedule.
- Layered Comfort Food: Combines the creamy texture of cheese with hearty sausage and tender pasta for an all-in-one meal.
- Flexible and Adaptable: Simple enough to customize with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or alternate proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne serves a clear purpose, contributing to the dish’s vibrant texture, rich flavor, and colorful appeal. Using straightforward yet quality ingredients makes it accessible without skimping on taste.
- Italian Sausage: Provides bold, savory flavor and a satisfying protein base.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color that brightens the dish.
- Dried Lasagne Sheets: Perfect for no-boil layering directly in the pan, absorbing flavors beautifully.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, smooth texture that balances the spices.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, irresistible finish.
- Marinara Sauce: Anchors the dish with rich tomato goodness and herbs.
- Garlic and Onion: Build a fragrant flavor base, warming up the sauce and meat.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a touch of herbal brightness and aroma.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and enriches the palate with subtle fruity notes.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie all the components together.
Variations for One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so you can easily tailor it to your family’s preferences or dietary needs without losing its core deliciousness.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to heat things up.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add parmesan for a sharper, richer taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to boost nutrition and texture variety.
How to Make One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings, crumble it into the pan, and cook until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in sliced roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the sausage mixture in the pan. Add a layer of dried lasagne sheets, breaking them slightly if necessary to fit. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the sheets, followed by shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Repeat layering until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella topped with a bit more sauce for moisture.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook Thoroughly
Pour a small amount of water or broth around the edges to create steam for the lasagne sheets to cook in the pan. Cover with a lid and simmer gently on low heat for 30-35 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure nothing sticks or dries out.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Once cooked through and bubbly, remove the lid and let the lasagne rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan before slicing and serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
- Use Quality Sausage: The flavor foundation hinges on good Italian sausage, so opt for fresh and well-seasoned varieties.
- Don’t Skip Roasting Peppers: Roasting intensifies their sweetness and depth, elevating the entire dish.
- Control the Heat: Use low simmering settings during cooking to avoid burning or drying out your lasagne.
- Customize the Cheese Ratio: Adjust ricotta and mozzarella amounts based on your preference for creaminess or meltiness.
- Cover While Cooking: Keeping the lid on traps steam that softens lasagne sheets perfectly without boiling them separately.
How to Serve One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of parmesan, or even a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil add bright, fresh notes that complement the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic butter roasted vegetables perfectly balance the richness of the lasagne. Simple crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices stacked on a large platter for a family-style meal or cut them into smaller, bite-sized portions for casual gatherings and parties. Adding small ramekins of extra cheese or chili flakes on the side encourages guests to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
Portion the lasagne into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure it is completely cooled before freezing to maintain optimal texture.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture locked in, for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage in this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked sausage can be used to save time, but be sure to crumble it and briefly sauté with onions and garlic to meld the flavors before layering.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely! The one-pan method makes it quick and easy without compromising taste, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
Do I need to boil the lasagne sheets beforehand?
No, the dried lasagne sheets cook perfectly during the simmering process in the pan thanks to the added moisture and steam.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With substitutions like plant-based sausage, vegan cheese alternatives, and ensuring marinara sauce is free from animal products, this recipe can be adapted to fit a vegan diet.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers so they don’t dry out?
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a small splash of water or extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne is a perfect blend of ease, comfort, and flavor that everyone will love. It saves you time without sacrificing the heartiness or warmth of a classic lasagne. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a weeknight dinner favorite that you’ll happily make again and again!
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PrintOne-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
A simple and flavorful One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne that combines savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted red peppers, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and dried lasagne sheets simmered together in one pan for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free lasagne sheets option)
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (about ¼ cup)
Lasagne and Seasoning
- 6–8 dried no-boil lasagne sheets (broken as needed to fit)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water or broth (¼ to ½ cup for simmering)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in sliced roasted red peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the sausage mixture in the pan. Place a layer of dried lasagne sheets over the sauce, breaking them slightly if needed to fit. Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the sheets, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese topped with a little more marinara sauce for moisture.
- Simmer and Cook Thoroughly: Pour a small amount of water or broth around the edges of the pan to generate steam for cooking the lasagne sheets. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer gently on low heat for 30-35 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure the dish does not stick or dry out.
- Final Touch and Serve: Once the lasagne is cooked through and bubbly, remove the lid and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow it to set. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Roast your own red peppers or use jarred roasted peppers for sweetness and depth.
- Simmer on low heat and keep the pan covered to prevent sticking and ensure perfect cooking of lasagne sheets.
- Adjust the ratio of ricotta and mozzarella cheese to your preferred creaminess and meltiness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: one-pan lasagne, sausage lasagne, roasted pepper lasagne, quick lasagne, easy weeknight dinner, italian sausage recipe, one-pan dinner
