Lasagna Maria

This comforting Lasagna Maria is a robust twist on the classic Italian bake, featuring layers of tender noodles, spicy pork sausage, earthy mushrooms, and pepperoni. The rich ricotta filling binds everything together, while the tomato sauce simmers into the layers for deep flavor. It&# 226;ÂÂs a satisfying, protein-packed main dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Easy to assemble with pantry staples, this casserole delivers gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite. Serve it hot with a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 6

Calories: 1606.5

Description

This comforting Lasagna Maria is a robust twist on the classic Italian bake, featuring layers of tender noodles, spicy pork sausage, earthy mushrooms, and pepperoni. The rich ricotta filling binds everything together, while the tomato sauce simmers into the layers for deep flavor. It&# 226;ÂÂs a satisfying, protein-packed main dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Easy to assemble with pantry staples, this casserole delivers gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite. Serve it hot with a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 package (8oz) Lasagna Noodles
1 pound Mild Pork Sausage
1 Jar (32oz) Spaghetti Sauce
1 Egg; slightly beaten
12 ounce Ricotta Cheese
1 tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
1/2 teaspoon Dried Whole Oregano
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
3 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded and divided
4 1/2 ounce Sliced Mushrooms, drained
1 package (3 1/2oz) Sliced Pepperoni

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375ÃÂ°F (190ÃÂ°C).
2
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat, stirring to crumble, until browned. Drain excess fat.
4
Stir the spaghetti sauce into the cooked sausage and set aside.
5
In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta cheese, parsley, oregano, and parmesan cheese. Stir well to mix.
6
Spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in a lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
7
Layer half of the cooked noodles over the sauce.
8
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
9
Top with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and one-third of the remaining meat sauce.
10
Repeat the layers: remaining noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, one-third mozzarella, and one-third meat sauce.
11
Arrange sliced mushrooms and pepperoni slices on top of the final layer.
12
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
13
Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
14
Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1606.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 118.0g182%
Saturated Fat 65.6g328%
Cholesterol 391.5mg131%
Sodium 2964.2mg124%
Total Carbohydrate 28.3g10%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugars 14.3g
Protein 111.7g224%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set and prevent layers from sliding apart.

For best results, use fresh mozzarella if available, or keep pre-shredded cheese in the fridge until ready to use.

You can substitute mild Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.

To freeze: Assemble the lasagna but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Keywords: lasagna, pork sausage, ricotta, mushrooms, pepperoni, italian dinner, cheese casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, family meal, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, oven baked, layered pasta, meat lasagna, easy dinner, italian casserole, sausage recipe

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/lasagna-maria/