Name: Easy 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 cheese; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish bubbling with rich cheese, hearty sausage, and tender pasta layers. My Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is the perfect blend of those cozy flavors without the fuss of traditional lasagna, making it ideal for a delicious family dinner or meal prep for the week.

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 Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to get all those classic lasagna flavors in one pan. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and incredibly forgiving, which makes it a staple in my kitchen.

Effortless Prep: Forget layering noodles, this casserole scrambles all those steps into a straightforward mix-and-bake.
Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The sausage and garlic give a deeply savory punch that makes every bite memorable.
Cheesy Goodness: A ricotta and mozzarella combo creates pockets of melty cheese magic throughout.
Feeds a Crowd: Big enough to satisfy a hungry family or to save for lunches during busy days.

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 Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe plays a role in building those familiar lasagna flavors but with less hassle. Choosing quality items, like fresh cheeses and good Italian sausage, truly lifts the 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 hollow centers of rigatoni hold onto the sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy, savory depth—you can use sweet or hot depending on your preference.
Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend that ties all flavors together with herbs like oregano and basil.
Black Pepper and Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning to bring out the best taste from your ingredients.
Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, but I suggest something with a robust tomato flavor.
Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture so it holds delightful pockets inside the casserole.
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base for the cheesy mounds that add texture and richness.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty punch that elevates the overall flavor.
Mozzarella: Melts gorgeously on top and inside, giving that irresistible gooey quality.

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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 things up with this Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe to keep it fresh. You can easily swap ingredients or boost its nutrition without losing any of that comfort factor.

Variation: Once, I tried using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter option, and it turned out just as flavorful! Adding chopped spinach or mushrooms is also a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Dietary Mods: For a gluten-free twist, use gluten-free rigatoni and make sure your jarred sauce is free from hidden gluten.
Cheese Choices: You can experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a slightly different melt and flavor profile.
Spice Level: If you want it to have a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while browning the sausage. It's a little trick I use when serving friends who love heat.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Pasta

Start by cooking your rigatoni in plenty of salted water until it’s al dente, which means it still has a little bite to it. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when baked later. I always set a timer because overcooked pasta is one of my kitchen pet peeves.

Step 2: Making the Sausage Sauce

While the pasta cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a large saucepan, breaking it into small pieces with your spoon. This gives you an even, flavorful meat sauce. Then, add diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, sautéing until the onion softens. I love how the kitchen fills with that wonderful aroma here! Pour in your pasta sauce, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook for another five minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 3: Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta, salt, chopped parsley, Parmesan, and one cup of mozzarella. The eggs help bind this creamy mixture so that it forms pockets of cheesy goodness inside the casserole.

Step 4: Assembling the Casserole

Toss the cooked pasta with your sausage sauce until well combined. Pour this into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Then, drop the ricotta mixture in about six dollops across the pasta. Don’t stress about spreading it evenly—this recipe is forgiving, and random pockets of ricotta make it even more fun. Give the ricotta a gentle stir into the casserole, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are gently browned. If you want a golden-brown crust on top, just turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

Having made this casserole quite a few times, I’ve learned some handy tricks to get it just right and keep it stress-free. These tips will make your cooking smoother and the dish even more delicious.

Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grating Parmesan and shredding mozzarella you buy in blocks makes a noticeable difference—you get deeper flavor and softer melt.
Don’t Overwork the Ricotta: It’s tempting to try to spread the mixture perfectly, but dollops scattered around work best to keep those creamy bites intact.
Watch the Broiling: If opting for a browned cheese crust under the broiler, keep a close eye—cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Salt Your Pasta Water: This is my number one trick for flavorful noodles! Your pasta will absorb seasoning better, improving the entire dish.

How to Serve Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving to brighten things up visually and add a little fresh herbal note. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also amp up the flavor if people like a little heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up all that lovely sauce. When I want to keep it simple, steamed broccoli or roasted veggies are my go-to sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual servings in small ramekins instead of one big dish. It looks charming, and everyone gets their own melty cheese topping. Another fun idea is layering with colorful heirloom pasta shells for a wow-factor presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and they usually last 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld more with a day or two of sitting, making leftovers just as tasty—sometimes even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze before baking or after reheating leftovers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake or reheat as usual.

Reheating

For reheating, I cover the casserole with foil to keep moisture in and heat at 325°F until warmed through. A quick blast under the broiler for a minute brings back the melted cheese texture beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage, but you might want to add extra Italian seasoning or garlic to boost the flavor. The sausage adds a little spiciness and depth, but beef works fine as well.

Is this casserole suitable for freezing?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and thaw overnight before reheating to keep the texture and taste intact.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great timesaver for busy nights or entertaining guests.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and tube shape hold onto the sauce beautifully, but other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti can also work well in this casserole. Avoid delicate pasta that might get mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to again and again—it’s hearty, cheesy, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it becoming a favorite in your own kitchen, just like it did in mine.