One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
If you’re craving comfort food with minimal fuss, this Easy One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with bold, savory flavors from spicy sausage and sweet roasted peppers, this dish combines the classic charm of lasagne with the simplicity of a one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this recipe makes preparing a hearty, satisfying dinner quick and enjoyable without compromising on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Flavor-Packed: Roasted peppers and sausage bring rich, smoky, and savory notes that elevate traditional lasagne.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm and homemade.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your favorite vegetables, cheese types, or spice levels for a personalized meal.
- Family Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that appeals to kids and adults alike with its layers of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each chosen to contribute to a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. These essentials bring the right balance of heartiness, freshness, and creaminess to your pan.
- Italian Sausage: Provides bold, spiced meatiness that forms the base of the sauce.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Add a sweet, smoky aroma and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- Lasagne Sheets: Use no-boil or regular for layers of tender, comforting pasta.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Create a rich, flavorful sauce that ties all elements together.
- Ricotta Cheese: Offers creamy texture and subtle tang to soften the hearty parts.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, irresistible topping.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, savory finish.
- Onion and Garlic: Build essential aromatic layers in the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté and blend flavors evenly.
- Italian Herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme bring authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and Pepper: To balance and enhance every taste.
Variations for One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, inviting you to mix and match ingredients to suit your dietary requirements or flavor cravings. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based meat for a vegetarian delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to amp up the heat.
- Cheese Blend: Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or adding goat cheese for tang.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for more texture and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagne sheets to fit dietary needs while retaining the dish’s heartiness.
How to Make One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Crumble in the sausage, breaking it down with a spatula, and cook until it browns and releases its flavorful fats.
Step 2: Add Roasted Peppers and Tomatoes
Stir in chopped roasted red peppers and crushed tomatoes, mixing carefully to combine. Sprinkle in Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for around 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagne Sheets
Arrange a single layer of lasagne sheets directly over the sauce in the pan. Ensure the sheets slightly overlap to create sturdy layers but don’t crowd them to avoid sticking together.
Step 4: Add Ricotta and Mozzarella
Dollop ricotta cheese evenly across the pasta layer, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Spread gently so the cheeses become creamy layers between the pasta and sausage sauce.
Step 5: Repeat Layers and Finish
Repeat the layering process—sauce, pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella—until you run out of ingredients or fill the pan. Top the final layer with extra mozzarella and a generous shower of grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 25 minutes, allowing the lasagne sheets to soften and the cheese to melt perfectly. Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes to let the top brown lightly before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
- Use Quality Sausage: Pick Italian sausage with your preferred spice level to enhance the dish’s character.
- Don’t Skip Roasting Peppers: Roasting adds depth and a smoky sweetness that fresh peppers can’t match.
- Layer Evenly: Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is balanced and flavorful.
- Use No-Boil Lasagne for Convenience: Saves time and allows the sheets to cook through with the sauce’s moisture.
- Low and Slow Simmer: Cooking on low heat ensures tender pasta and melded flavors without drying out the pan.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagne sit for 5–10 minutes off heat to firm up layers for easier slicing.
How to Serve One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
Garnishes
Finish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add freshness and a burst of flavor that brightens the rich layers.
Side Dishes
A crisp garden salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread work beautifully alongside this hearty lasagne to add crunch and zest.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in a rustic cast iron skillet at the table for a cozy, shareable experience or scoop individual portions onto warm plates with a colorful sprinkle of fresh herbs to impress guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
This lasagne freezes well when wrapped properly. Store in an airtight container or foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in shorter intervals to keep the cheese melty and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken sausage is a leaner alternative that works great in this recipe without sacrificing flavor, just adjust cooking times as needed.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagne sheets?
No-boil lasagne sheets are perfect here, or you can use regular sheets if you prefer, just soak them briefly in warm water before layering to prevent stiffness.
How spicy is this One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne?
The spice level depends on your sausage choice; using mild sausage keeps it friendly for everyone, while spicy varieties add an enjoyable kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out ricotta and mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives or use cashew cream to keep it creamy and delicious.
What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?
A deep, oven-safe skillet or wide sauté pan with a lid works best to accommodate layering and cooking without transferring dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne combines comfort, convenience, and bold flavors in a way that makes weeknight dinners exciting and satisfying. I highly recommend giving it a try—once you experience how simple and delicious it is, this dish will become a cherished staple in your home cooking routine.
Related Posts
PrintOne-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne
This Easy One-Pan Sausage and Roasted Pepper Lasagne is a comforting and flavorful dish combining spicy Italian sausage, sweet roasted red peppers, and layers of creamy cheeses in a simple one-pan recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures with minimal cleanup, making dinner both quick and enjoyable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering and Baking (One-Pan)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian Sausage (spicy or mild, casing removed)
- 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers, chopped
- 9–12 Lasagne Sheets (no-boil preferred, or regular)
- 2 cups Crushed Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 ½ cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Italian Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Crumble in the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Roasted Peppers and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and crushed tomatoes. Season the mixture with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Layer the Lasagne Sheets: Arrange a single layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce in the pan, slightly overlapping them without crowding to prevent sticking. This forms the first pasta layer.
- Add Ricotta and Mozzarella: Dollop ricotta cheese evenly across the pasta layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta and gently spread to create creamy layers between the pasta and sauce.
- Repeat Layers and Finish Topping: Repeat the layering process (sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella) until ingredients are used up or pan is full. Top the final layer with extra shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer and Serve: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 25 minutes to soften the pasta and melt the cheese. Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use quality Italian sausage with your preferred spice level for best flavor.
- Roasting the peppers adds a smoky sweetness that enhances the dish.
- Distribute ingredients evenly in layers to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- No-boil lasagne sheets save time and cook well in the sauce’s moisture.
- Cooking low and slow helps tenderize pasta and meld flavors without drying.
- Let lasagne rest 5–10 minutes off heat before slicing to firm layers.
- Variations include swapping sausage for mushrooms for a vegetarian option or adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Gluten-free lasagne sheets can be used to adapt for dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one-pan lasagne, sausage lasagne, roasted pepper lasagne, easy lasagne recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, Italian sausage, simple lasagne
