Sheet Pan Lasagna is a delightful and easy way to enjoy traditional lasagna without all the fuss associated with layering. This dish combines all the classic flavors in one convenient pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. You’ll love the meld of rich marinara, creamy cheese, and hearty sausage, all brought together in just a short time. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep since you can make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Why We Love This Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe
This Sheet Pan Lasagna is loved for its simplicity, versatility, and taste. The convenience of using a single pan means less cleanup, allowing you to focus more on enjoying each mouthful. It’s a fantastic dish that brings together the gooey cheesiness and robust flavors we crave in traditional lasagna while being much easier to assemble. Using spicy sausage adds a flavor kick, while the fresh spinach injected into the layers offers a nutritious touch. You’ll find that this recipe suits every occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Lasagna
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 2 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
How to Make Sheet Pan Lasagna Directions
To get started, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and grease a 12×17-inch baking sheet with olive oil. You’ll want to ensure your sheet pan is generously coated to prevent sticking and allow for easy serving.
In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add your minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Next, toss in the fresh spinach, cooking until just wilted—this usually takes around 3 minutes. After the spinach has cooked down, remove the pan from the heat and roughly chop the spinach before mixing it with the ricotta cheese in a bowl. This will create a creamy spinach mixture that adds a wonderful flavor and texture to the lasagna.
Now, let’s continue with the sausage. In the same frying pan, add the remaining olive oil and your spicy sausage. Cook the sausage until it’s browned, which should take about 5 minutes. After it’s cooked, add the diced red onion and sauté until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. This combination will create a delicious base that packs a flavor punch.
While the sausage is cooking, fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the lasagna sheets and cook for approximately 4 minutes. You want them slightly undercooked since they will continue to cook in the oven. After 4 minutes, drain the lasagna sheets, then return them to the pot.
Stir in the marinara sauce with the sausage mixture and combine well with the lasagna sheets. Add in 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella and 1 cup of parmesan cheese, mixing everything thoroughly until the noodles are well-coated in the sauce and cheese. This will ensure every bite of your lasagna has that cheesy goodness.
Now it’s time to spread the mixture evenly across your prepared baking sheet. Once it’s evenly distributed, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, creating a beautiful and cheesy layer on the surface. Finally, take dollops of the spinach-ricotta mixture and scatter it across the top, ensuring you get that creamy texture throughout the dish.
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. You want the cheese to be golden and bubbling, getting that nice crispy top layer that is so satisfying. Once done, let your Sheet Pan Lasagna cool briefly before slicing it up and serving.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Lasagna
Serving your Sheet Pan Lasagna is as easy as it gets. You can cut it directly in the baking sheet into squares for a rustic presentation. A spatula will help lift out the lasagna pieces without causing a mess. You can serve it straight from the pan, making it perfect for family-style dining or buffet-style gatherings.
On the side, consider providing some fresh green salads or crusty bread, which makes for an excellent accompaniment to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage. You may also serve a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top as a garnish for added color and freshness.
How about adding some extra flavor? Consider offering spicy red pepper flakes or freshly grated parmesan cheese at the table for your guests to add according to their preferences. This allows everyone to customize their dining experience and enjoy the lasagna to their liking.
Expert Tips: Sheet Pan Lasagna
For the best results with your Sheet Pan Lasagna, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, be generous with your olive oil when greasing the pan; this prevents sticking and helps to achieve the perfect crispy finish.
When you’re cooking the sausage, ensure you break it apart so that it evenly browns. This will add more texture and ensure every bite includes the flavorful sausage. If desired, you can use a mix of sausage and ground beef for a variation in flavor.
Make sure not to overcook the lasagna sheets during boiling. A quick 4 minutes is ideal to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
Lastly, allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set, making it easier to serve and ensuring each piece holds its form.
How to Store Sheet Pan Lasagna
Storing your Sheet Pan Lasagna is simple. Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. If you have a large remainder, you can cover the baking pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, sealing it tightly.
Refrigerate your lasagna, where it can last for about 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing your lasagna. Cut it into squares and freeze them individually in airtight containers. This way, you can pull out only what you need when the craving strikes. It’s an easy and convenient option that maintains the dish’s quality quite well.
Variation of Sheet Pan Lasagna
One of the great things about Sheet Pan Lasagna is that it’s quite adaptable to suit your personal tastes. If you’re looking to mix it up, consider swapping the spicy sausage for ground turkey or chicken, which can lighten up the dish a bit while still providing great flavor.
You can also get creative with the types of cheese. Instead of mozzarella and parmesan, try using goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist. Additionally, you could incorporate different vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, into the layers for added nutrition and flavor.
If you’d like to switch up the sauce, you might opt for a white sauce or Alfredo instead of marinara for a richer flavor profile. This provides a different take on lasagna that some will prefer, especially those who enjoy creamy dishes.
Lastly, for a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and load up the pan with more veggies, utilizing extra spinach, bell peppers, or even artichokes. This way, you elevate the nutrition without sacrificing taste!
FAQ about Sheet Pan Lasagna
What’s the cooking time for Sheet Pan Lasagna? The cooking time for Sheet Pan Lasagna is about 30 minutes at 425 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Can I make Sheet Pan Lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna in advance and store it in the fridge for later. Just be sure to cover it tightly.
How do I know when my Sheet Pan Lasagna is done? Look for melted and bubbling cheese with a golden brown color on top to determine if your Sheet Pan Lasagna is ready.
What can I serve with Sheet Pan Lasagna? Sheet Pan Lasagna pairs wonderfully with side salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal.
How do I store leftovers? Let your leftovers cool down before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze pieces for longer storage.
Feel free to incorporate your creativity and make this Sheet Pan Lasagna your own. With its hearty texture and rich flavors, it’s something you’ll want to enjoy again and again!
Sheet Pan Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed Use generously to grease the baking pan.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add to sauté for flavor.
- 5 ounces fresh spinach Can be chopped after wilting.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Combines with spinach for layers.
- 1 pound spicy sausage, casings removed Adds a flavor kick.
- 1 small red onion, diced Sauté with sausage.
- 1 pound lasagna sheets, broken into 2-inch pieces Pre-cook for approx. 4 minutes.
- 4 cups jarred marinara sauce Mix with sausage and noodles.
- 2.5 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella Sprinkle on top and mix in.
- 1.5 cups grated parmesan Used in layers and for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 12x17-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
- In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes, then chop and mix with ricotta cheese in a bowl.
- In the same frying pan, add remaining olive oil and spicy sausage, cooking until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced red onion and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
- Fill a large pot with salted water, bring to a boil, and cook lasagna sheets for about 4 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir in marinara sauce, sausage mixture, 1.5 cups mozzarella, and 1 cup parmesan cheese until well-combined with noodles.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the lasagna mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and dollop the spinach-ricotta mixture across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna cool briefly before slicing and serving.
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