Name: Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 oz rigatoni; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 onion diced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ¾ tsp kosher salt; 24 oz pasta sauce; 2 large eggs whisked; 1 cup ricotta; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Nothing quite beats the comfort of a warm, cheesy dinner straight from the oven — that’s exactly why my Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe holds a special spot in my heart. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s rich in flavor, simple to assemble, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers all week long.

The image shows a baked pasta dish in a black baking dish with one handle visible. The pasta is rigatoni, cooked and mixed with a red sauce that seeps through the layers. The top layer is thickly covered with melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned in some spots, giving it a bubbly texture. Some green herb bits are visible mixed in the cheese and sauce, adding small pops of color. A white plate with a portion of the baked pasta is partly visible in the top left corner. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe feels like cheating in the best way — all those layers of rich Italian flavors without the fuss of rolling noodles or multiple pots and pans. Every time I make it, the family asks for seconds!

Simplicity Without Sacrifices: You get all the hearty, savory goodness of traditional lasagna with a streamlined process that even busy weeknights can handle.
Flavor-Packed Ingredients: Italian sausage and freshly seasoned ricotta take this casserole from ordinary to something really special.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or feeding a crowd without extra work.
Customizable Comfort: You can tweak the cheese and herbs just how you like — I’ll share some of my favorite variations below!

A close-up image of a baked pasta dish in a black baking pan with three visible layers. The bottom layer is made of rigatoni pasta, showing a light orange color with some sauce coating the pasta. Above that is a mixture of cheese and herbs, creamy white with green specks. The top layer is melted cheese with browned spots, golden yellow with scattered darker brown areas. A silver large spoon is scooping some pasta from the bottom left corner, revealing the layers inside. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating that hearty, layered flavor. From the spicy sausage to the creamy ricotta blend, I always look for freshness and quality — it really makes a difference in the final dish.

Flat lay of a handful of uncooked rigatoni pasta, a small mound of raw Italian sausage, a diced yellow onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning, another small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl filled with red pasta sauce, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small heap of creamy white ricotta cheese, a small bunch of freshly chopped green parsley, a small pile of grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and a small mound of shredded white mozzarella cheese, all arranged in a balanced symmetrical layout on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rigatoni: The ridges and tube shape trap sauce and cheese so every bite is satisfying.
Italian sausage: Adds savory depth with that classic Italian spice — I usually go with mild, but spicy is great if you want a kick.
Onion & garlic: These aromatics create the flavorful base for the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend that amplifies that authentic taste effortlessly.
Pasta sauce: Using a good quality jarred sauce keeps the prep quick while delivering tomatoey richness.
Ricotta: Gives a creamy, mellow texture that balances the spice of the sausage.
Eggs: Help the ricotta mixture set perfectly in pockets throughout the casserole.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness.
Parmesan & mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated cheeses melt beautifully and deepen the flavor — trust me, fresh is worth the extra effort!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing this up depending on the season and what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey, or toss in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost. The ricotta mixture is also a great canvas for experimenting — like adding a pinch of nutmeg or fresh basil instead of parsley.

Variation: One time, I stirred in some roasted red peppers into the ricotta mix — it added a lovely sweetness and color that everyone admired!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

I start by boiling rigatoni in salted water until it's al dente — meaning it’s cooked but still has a bit of bite. Trust me, this texture holds up beautifully under the sauce and baking without turning mushy. Once drained, set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Build Flavor

In a roomy saucepan, I brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces so it cooks evenly. When the meat is nicely browned, I add diced onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cooking this mixture until the onions soften (about 4 to 6 minutes) really develops a rich base flavor before stirring in the tomato sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce simmers, I whisk together eggs, ricotta cheese, salt, fresh parsley, Parmesan, and a cup of mozzarella. This creamy mix creates those lovely pockets of cheesy bliss throughout the casserole — make sure you don’t skip the eggs; they give structure to the ricotta when baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection

After combining cooked rigatoni and meat sauce, I pour everything into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. The ricotta mixture gets dolloped into six uneven mounds over the pasta — don’t stress about perfect spreading, those pockets of cheese just taste amazing! Then I sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top and bake at 350°F until bubbling and melty, about 35-45 minutes.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that take this casserole from good to unforgettable. These tips have saved my dinner parties more than once!

Cheese Matters: Freshly grating Parmesan and shredding mozzarella from blocks makes a huge difference in flavor and melt — skip pre-shredded bags if possible.
Layering Ricotta: I don’t bother spreading the ricotta mix perfectly; dollops scattered in different spots give you those delicious ricotta pockets throughout.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking until the casserole is bubbly ensures the cheese melts fully and flavors meld — I usually check around 35 minutes and let it go a bit longer if needed.
Golden Top Finish: For a lovely browned cheese crust, I turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Italian sausage lasagna - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I plate this casserole, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top brightens it with color and freshness. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple loaf of crusty Italian bread is my go-to for soaking up any leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes — it feels more special and personalized. Or, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a nutty crunch surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully both before and after baking. For best results, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep it from drying out, I reheat leftovers wrapped in foil at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). Adding a splash of water or extra sauce helps keep it juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the Italian sausage for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and consider adding plant-based protein crumbles for texture.

How do I prevent the lasagna casserole from drying out?

Make sure to use a good amount of sauce and cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. Also, reheating with a splash of water or sauce helps keep moisture in.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it is very cold.

What’s the best way to get a golden crust on the cheese?

For a nicely browned top, switch your oven to broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close watch as it can burn quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Italian Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how something so simple can bring so much joy and comfort to the table. I genuinely hope you give it a try — whether for weeknight dinner or special gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.