Sheet pan lasagna is a straightforward yet delightful take on the traditional lasagna. This dish combines all the classic flavors you love in lasagna but simplifies the process into a single baking sheet. With layers of rich meat, creamy cheese, and savory sauce, this version is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. It’s all about convenience without compromising on flavor!
Why We Love This Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe
This sheet pan lasagna recipe is a game changer in the kitchen. It brings the heartiness of lasagna without the hassle of layering each component individually. You can enjoy a beautifully baked dish with gooey melted cheese and spicy sausage, all cooked to perfection in just one pan. This makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes. The combination of flavorful ingredients and the ease of preparation makes this lasagna a family favorite, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Ingredients about Sheet Pan Lasagna
To create this satisfying dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
- 2 cloves garlic, or more to taste
- 1 (5 ounce) container fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound spicy sausage, casings removed
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 pound lasagna sheets, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups jarred marinara sauce, such as Rao’s®
- 2 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
How to Make Sheet Pan Lasagna Directions
Making sheet pan lasagna is simple, and it starts with gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 12×17-inch baking sheet with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If you prefer a cozier feel, use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Now, add the fresh spinach and a pinch of salt, cooking and stirring until it’s wilted, usually around 3 minutes. Once wilted, transfer the spinach to a bowl. Use kitchen shears to chop it roughly, and then stir in the ricotta cheese. Set this mixture aside for later.
Wipe out the frying pan and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now, add your spicy sausage, cooking undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until it gets some nice browning. Break the sausage apart with a spatula and continue cooking until it’s fully browned, about 5 minutes. Add the diced red onion and sauté until softened, which takes another 3 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from heat.
While you’re preparing the sausage, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets, cooking them for about 4 minutes while stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. If you’re not immediately mixing it with the sauce, drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Now, stir the marinara sauce into the cooked sausage mixture, then pour this hearty combination into the pot with the lasagna sheets. Add 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella and 1 cup of parmesan, mixing everything until it’s well coated.
Spread the pasta mixture evenly on your prepared sheet pan or dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and then spoon or dollop the spinach-ricotta mixture across the surface.
Bake in your preheated oven, uncovered, until the cheese is golden, the sauce is bubbling, and the edges are lightly crisped, which will take about 30 minutes. Once it’s done, serve warm, and feel free to add extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Lasagna
Serving your sheet pan lasagna can be as delightful as making it. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few moments before slicing. Use a spatula to scoop generous portions onto plates. For an extra touch, you can drizzle more marinara sauce on top of each serving or sprinkle additional grated parmesan for that decadent finish.
Pair your lasagna with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar or some garlic bread for that perfect complement. This dish also works well as a make-ahead meal; simply reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a quick dinner solution. Your family will love gathering around the table for a warm, satisfying meal that is both easy to serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips: Sheet Pan Lasagna
To elevate your sheet pan lasagna to the next level, consider these expert tips:
- Ingredient Quality: Choose high-quality ingredients, especially your sausage and cheese. Fresh, good-quality marinara can also make a significant difference in flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This dish is easily made ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for the same duration.
- Browning the Cheese: For a crispy, golden layer on top, consider broiling the lasagna for a couple of minutes at the end. Watch it closely to avoid burning!
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition. Sauté them along with the onions before adding the sausage.
- Cheese Variations: Mix different types of cheese such as fontina or gouda for a unique flavor profile. You can also adjust the cheese quantities based on your preference.
Using these tips, you can customize your dish and create a gourmet experience that tastes homemade and delicious!
How to Store Sheet Pan Lasagna
Storing your sheet pan lasagna is straightforward. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep the lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, if you want to save it for a longer period, freeze the lasagna. Cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. This way, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in the oven until warmed through or pop it in the microwave for a quicker option.
Variation of Sheet Pan Lasagna
While the original recipe is fantastic, there are many ways to switch things up. Here are some variations to consider:
- Meat Options: Instead of spicy sausage, use ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a lighter option. You can also make a vegetarian version by incorporating plant-based sausage or additional veggies.
- Different Cheeses: Try out different cheese blends. Mixing ricotta with goat cheese or using different types of mozzarella can add unique flavors to the dish.
- Sauce Swaps: While marinara is a classic, you can experiment with other sauces such as pesto or Alfredo for a creamy twist.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes into the sausage mix or your marinara for a spicy kick.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme for enhanced flavor. Mixing them into your sauce or cheese layer can elevate the dish remarkably.
These variations ensure you keep the dish exciting and enjoyable, no matter how many times you make it!
FAQ
What is the cooking time for Sheet Pan Lasagna?
Typically, you should bake your sheet pan lasagna at 425 degrees F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Can I use any type of marinara sauce for Sheet Pan Lasagna?
Yes, while a high-quality jarred marinara sauce is recommended, you can use any pasta sauce you enjoy. Homemade sauce works great, too!
What should I do if my Sheet Pan Lasagna is watery?
If your lasagna turns out watery, it might be due to using excessive sauce or not draining the pasta. To prevent this, ensure your sausages and veggies are well-cooked and that no excess moisture is present in your ingredients.
How do I reheat Sheet Pan Lasagna?
You can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
Can I prepare Sheet Pan Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it up to the baking point, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready for a delicious meal.
Sheet Pan Lasagna
Ingredients
For the lasagna
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or as needed
- 2 cloves garlic or more to taste
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound spicy sausage casings removed
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 pound lasagna sheets broken into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups jarred marinara sauce such as Rao's®
- 2.5 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1.5 cups grated parmesan
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 12×17-inch baking sheet with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add fresh spinach and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir until wilted, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to a bowl, chop roughly with kitchen shears, and stir in ricotta cheese. Set aside.
- Wipe out the frying pan and add remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add spicy sausage and cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until browned. Break sausage apart and continue cooking until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Add diced red onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add lasagna sheets and cook for about 4 minutes while stirring occasionally. Drain pasta and return to pot, drizzling with olive oil if not mixing immediately.
- Stir marinara sauce into the cooked sausage mixture, then pour this into the pot with the lasagna sheets. Add 1.5 cups of mozzarella and 1 cup of parmesan, mixing until well coated.
- Spread the pasta mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan or dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and dollop the spinach-ricotta mixture across the surface.
- Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, until cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Serve warm.
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