Name: Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 oz rigatoni; 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 so comforting about a baked pasta that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe brings all those classic lasagna flavors together with less fuss and in one cozy dish—making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without the stress.

A close-up image of a black rectangular pan filled with baked rigatoni pasta covered in melted, bubbly golden-brown cheese on top. The rigatoni pasta is visible underneath the cheese layer, with a warm orange-red sauce mixed with green herbs peeking through. The dish has a thick, textured top layer of cheese with some browned spots, giving it a crispy look. In the upper left corner, a portion of pasta is served on a white plate, showing the same layers of pasta and melted cheese. 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 Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for family dinners. The magic is in how effortlessly it turns classic lasagna into a layered pasta bake without all the work of rolling sheets or layering sauce and noodles perfectly. It’s forgiving, hearty, and downright delicious.

Simple to assemble: No rolling, layering, or special pans—just toss everything together and bake.
Flavor-packed sauce: Italian sausage and herbs make every bite richly savory and satisfying.
Cheesy goodness: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan melts into pockets of creamy delight.
Feeds a crowd: Big batch-friendly, perfect for meal prep or serving hungry family and friends.

This close-up image shows a baked pasta dish in a dark baking pan on a white marbled surface. The top layer is golden melted cheese with browned spots and patches of sauce peeking through. Underneath is a thick layer of tubular pasta coated with red tomato sauce, mixed with bits of herbs and creamy white cheese. A large metal spoon scoops a portion from one corner, revealing the layered textures of pasta, sauce, and cheese layered throughout the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this casserole pulls its weight—we’re talking hearty pasta, flavorful sausage, and creamy cheeses that melt into the perfect, comforting texture. Picking the right components makes all the difference in creating that classic, home-cooked lasagna taste you love but in a quicker way.

Flat lay of uncooked rigatoni pasta, a raw Italian sausage link, a diced fresh yellow onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning mix, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red pasta sauce, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of smooth ricotta cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh parsley, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, and a simple pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, all arranged symmetrically 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: The ridges and hollow centers are perfect for holding onto sauce and cheese, making every bite rich.
Italian sausage: Adds a savory, spiced base that elevates the meat sauce beyond plain ground beef.
Onion and garlic: Build layers of flavor and aroma—don’t skip these essentials.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring that unmistakable Mediterranean touch.
Pasta sauce: Choose a robust marinara that complements the sausage’s spices.
Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, mild contrast that softens the boldness of the sausage and spices.
Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture so it stays nicely incorporated in the casserole.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with a pop of freshness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty tang for depth.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the topping for that irresistible gooey, golden finish.

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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

One of the best things about this Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve tweaked it a ton over the years, and there’s plenty of room to make it suit your taste buds or whatever you have in the fridge.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the Italian sausage for spicy chorizo when I want a bit more kick—it works beautifully!
Vegetarian option: Try using plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms in place of sausage—you won’t miss the meat.
Cheese swaps: Mixing in some provolone or fontina for mozzarella adds a new creamy dimension.
Seasonal twist: Adding chopped spinach or kale into the ricotta mix brings a lovely freshness and color.

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

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly al dente

Start by boiling your rigatoni in salted water exactly as the package directs for al dente. This step is crucial because the pasta will keep cooking in the oven, so you don’t want mushy noodles. Once cooked, drain it carefully and set aside while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Brown the sausage and build your sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, crumble and brown the Italian sausage until it’s nicely caramelized. This browning step adds a ton of flavor—don’t rush it! Then toss in the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the onions soften and everything smells amazing, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Pour in your jarred pasta sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Then take it off the heat—it’s ready!

Step 3: Mix the creamy ricotta filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta, salt, chopped fresh parsley, Parmesan, and one cup of the shredded mozzarella. This mixture adds creamy pockets throughout your casserole that balance out the meaty sauce—it’s the part I always look forward to!

Step 4: Assemble your casserole

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the saucepan to evenly coat every piece. Then pour the pasta and sauce into your greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon, dollop the ricotta mixture in six equal mounds spread across the top. I find that trying to spread the ricotta evenly can be tricky, but these dollops work like magic to create cheesy pockets once baked.

Lightly stir a bit of the ricotta into the pasta, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella all over the top for that ooey-gooey finish.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Bake your casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese is fully melted and soft. If you love a golden-brown crust on top—who doesn’t?—turn on your broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips will help you master the Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe and avoid the little pitfalls I’ve learned over time.

Use quality cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella from blocks melt better and have richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
Dollop don’t smother ricotta: Trying to spread the ricotta too evenly can make the mixture sink—multiple dollops around the casserole create those delicious pockets of creamy cheese instead.
Brown meat thoroughly: This step builds flavor. Taking your time here means a tastier sauce that makes the whole casserole sing.
Broil near the end: If you want a bubbly, golden crust, putting your oven on broil for just 1-2 minutes at the end takes this casserole to the next level—but keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

How to Serve Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a bit of fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A little dusting of extra Parmesan doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I serve this casserole in individual ramekins, which makes it feel special and helps with portion control. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes on top for texture and a little heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole keeps its flavor well, but I recommend reheating gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. I usually assemble the entire dish and wrap it tightly with foil before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—the texture and flavors hold up well.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last few minutes adds a lovely fresh-baked crust on top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for this casserole?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because it holds sauce well, penne, ziti, or even shells will work great too. Just choose a pasta that can trap sauce for maximum flavor.

What if I don’t eat pork — can I substitute the sausage?

Yes! You can swap Italian pork sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant-based alternative depending on your preference. Just brown it the same way before adding the other ingredients.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it, then bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s great for planning ahead!

How do I get a nice browned cheese crust on top?

Toward the end of baking, turn your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning—it browns the cheese nicely and adds great texture!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe has become such a comforting staple for me—not just because it’s packed with all the flavors I adore from traditional lasagna, but because it’s so straightforward to throw together. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own.