Sausage-Pepperoni Lasagna Recipe
Description:
If you’re in the mood for a hearty, indulgent meal that’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy tears, this Sausage-Pepperoni Lasagna is your go-to dish. This recipe, adapted from a classic Southern Living publication, offers a deliciously rich and cheesy experience, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your loved ones promising to do their homework, take out the trash, and more! But a word of caution—this dish is high in calories and cholesterol, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Serve it with a fresh salad and some garlic bread, and prepare for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. 😊🍽️
Category: < 4 Hours
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 1 egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sausage:
- Begin by browning the bulk pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to crumble the sausage and cook until it is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, drain the sausage well to remove any excess fat.
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Combine with Sauce:
- Return the drained sausage to the skillet and add the spaghetti sauce. Stir well to combine the sausage with the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently while you prepare the other components of the lasagna.
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Cook the Noodles:
- In a large pot, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, but remember to omit the salt if the instructions call for it. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water. This step is crucial to prevent the noodles from sticking together and becoming difficult to layer.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- While the noodles are cooking, break the egg into a mixing bowl and beat it lightly. Add the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to the beaten egg. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with margarine, covering both the bottom and the sides.
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Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to coat the bottom lightly. Use just about 1/2 cup or less—enough to create a thin “film” that prevents the bottom layer of noodles from sticking.
- Place half of the cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly if needed.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles using a rubber spatula.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Spoon 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese layer.
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Repeat Layers:
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the layers.
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Add the Pepperoni:
- Cover the top of the lasagna with slices of pepperoni, arranging them evenly.
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Bake the Lasagna:
- Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. This resting period helps the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve. While it might be tempting to dive in right away, letting the lasagna rest ensures that each slice holds its shape.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 606.3
- Fat Content: 35.7g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 143.8mg
- Sodium: 803.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.7g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 6.9g
- Protein: 36.7g
Enjoy this indulgent lasagna with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread for a meal that’s sure to delight everyone at your table. Bon appétit! 😋🍝
