Name: Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 oz rigatoni pasta; 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 warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe brings together all the classic flavors you love from lasagna, but with an easy, weeknight-friendly twist that makes dinner a total joy.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights because it manages to feel homemade and special without all the fuss of rolling out noodles or layering multiple pans. It's like lasagna and pasta had the dreamiest baby.

Simple assembly: No need to fuss with sheets of lasagna—rigatoni pasta makes this casserole quick and easy.
Rich and flavorful sauce: Italian sausage and a blend of garlic and herbs make the sauce hearty and delicious.
Creamy pockets of cheese: The ricotta mixture baked in dollops throughout keeps every bite luscious and satisfying.
Perfect for leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

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

The magic in this Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe starts with well-chosen ingredients that blend comfort with flavor. Each component supports the others perfectly, creating layers of texture and taste that'll have you going back for seconds.

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: These tube-shaped noodles hold sauce beautifully and add a nice bite that contrasts with the creamy cheese.
Italian sausage: It brings a savory, spiced richness that's way better than plain ground meat.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base for the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an authentic Italian flair.
Pasta sauce: Choose a good-quality jarred sauce to save time, but homemade works too!
Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and balances the meaty sauce really well.
Eggs: They help bind the ricotta mixture so it holds together nicely during baking.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key—its nutty flavor deepens the dish.
Fresh parsley: Small bursts of color and fresh herb flavor that brighten every bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy top everyone loves.

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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 how versatile this Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is—you can easily swap in ingredients based on what you have or prefer. That’s the beauty of casseroles; they’re forgiving and welcoming to creativity.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap Italian sausage for spicy chorizo or a mix of sausage and ground beef for a little extra depth.
Make it veggie: Add diced zucchini or mushrooms when you sauté the onions for some extra veggie goodness.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce amps up the heat and pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
Dietary swap: Use gluten-free pasta and low-fat cheeses to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta Perfectly

First, get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook! We want noodles with a little bite because they’ll bake longer later. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce—this step keeps the pasta from getting mushy and helps the casserole hold its shape beautifully.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sausage Sauce

In a large saucepan, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once nicely browned, toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 4-6 minutes. Then pour in the pasta sauce, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 5 minutes to blend all those flavors. This sauce is the heart of your casserole—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce simmers, whisk together eggs, ricotta, kosher salt, chopped fresh parsley, Parmesan, and one cup of mozzarella cheese in a bowl. The eggs help bind everything, so the ricotta doesn’t just melt away into the casserole but stays delightfully creamy in little pockets. I find chopping fresh parsley and using freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference—it adds that fresh, bright burst of flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole with Love

Stir the meat sauce through the cooked pasta, then pour the whole mixture into your greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Instead of spreading the ricotta mixture evenly, dollop it across the top in about six uneven mounds. I know it sounds odd, but these random pockets bake into creamy little bites that make the dish extra special. Give it a gentle stir here and there just to swirl a bit of the ricotta through. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole.

Step 5: Bake It to Cheesy Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes until it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and gooey. If you love a golden, slightly crispy cheese top like I do, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. This final touch turns the cheese deliciously golden and irresistible!

Top Tip

From my experience, a few little tweaks really help this casserole shine. I’ve learned these tips the hard way, so I’m passing them on to save you from common hiccups.

Don’t skip freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that affect melt and texture. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoother and tastes better.
Use multiple dollops of ricotta: Trying to spread the ricotta evenly can be frustrating and unnecessary. Randomly placing it in several spots works best and creates those delightful creamy bursts.
Drain your pasta well: Excess water makes the casserole watery. Drain thoroughly and even giving pasta a quick toss with a little olive oil can help prevent sticking.
Watch the broil: When finishing under the broiler, stay close by—cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Lasagna - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley or basil right on top for a splash of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a nice contrast if we want a bit more heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread, or steamed green beans for a fresh bite that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for portion-controlled, elegant presentations. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and fresh herbs right before serving to make it look restaurant-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy sausage lasagna casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I always find the flavors deepen after a day, so leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot and bubbly—about 20-30 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps refresh the cheesy top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage if you prefer milder flavor or don’t have sausage on hand. To keep some of the seasoning, add extra Italian herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes to mimic sausage taste.

Is it necessary to use eggs in the ricotta mixture?

Eggs help bind the ricotta mixture so it sets nicely in the casserole and creates those creamy pockets. While you can omit them, the cheese might be a little more loose and less structured.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This is perfect for meal prepping or getting dinner ready during a busy day.

How long does this casserole keep in the freezer?

For best quality, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Longer storage is possible but may affect flavor and texture. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes I find myself making repeatedly because it just clicks. Give it a try and you’ll have a new favorite comfort food to turn to when you want something cozy, hearty, and straightforward. I’m sure you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and, of course, how delicious it tastes!