After a long day, nothing can lift my spirits quite like the first whiff of bubbling cheese and rich marinara. This Easy Sheet-Pan Lasagna brings the comfort of a beloved classic straight to my kitchen, minus the fuss! It all begins with a sizzle of savory Italian sausage mingling with aromatic garlic—just wait until you experience that moment of culinary magic. The innovative sheet-pan method not only makes preparation a breeze but also gives you those irresistible crispy edges, a delightful contrast to the gooey, cheesy middle. In just one hour, you can plate up a hearty meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously simple dish!
Why is Sheet-Pan Lasagna a Must-Try?
Convenience: This recipe streamlines traditional lasagna into a one-pan wonder, cutting down on prep time and cleanup.
Crispy Edges: Enjoy delightful crunchy edges that add flavor and texture, enhancing your culinary experience.
Family-Friendly: Perfectly suited for everyone at the table, it’s a meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies, creating a unique dish every time.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just one hour, it’s the ideal solution for those weeknight dinners where time is limited.
Satisfying Comfort Food: Bursting with cheesy goodness and savory flavors, this lasagna is a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Sheet-Pan Lasagna Ingredients
For the Base
- Unsalted Butter – Perfect for greasing the sheet pan, it adds richness; you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Enhances flavor and aids cooking; any cooking oil can be used as an alternative.
- Italian Sausage – Adds hearty flavor; substitute with ground turkey or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Garlic Cloves – Provides aromatic flavor; fresh is best, but 1/8 tsp garlic powder can substitute for each clove.
For the Sauce
- Marinara Sauce – Acts as the main flavor base; Rao’s is exceptional, but any favorite brand works.
- Fresh Basil – Brings a fragrant herbal note; use 1 tsp dried in place of 1 tbsp fresh.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; best adjusted to your taste.
For Layering
- Lasagna Noodles – No-boil or traditional types are both suitable—just break into 3” pieces for the pan.
- Whole-Milk Ricotta – Adds creaminess; cottage cheese or vegan ricotta are great substitutes.
For Topping
- Parmesan – Offers nuttiness and depth; can be substituted with Pecorino Romano if needed.
- Mozzarella – Melts beautifully for that cheesy texture; provolone or vegan cheese are good alternatives.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – For adjusting flavor; customize according to your preference.
Get ready to enjoy a delightful and easy-to-make Sheet-Pan Lasagna that is sure to become a favorite in your family!
How to Make Sheet-Pan Lasagna
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the sheet pan with unsalted butter and a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and add richness to the dish.
-
Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, utilizing the olive oil until it’s nicely browned. Once cooked, add in minced garlic and fresh basil, sautéing until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
-
Combine the marinara sauce with the sausage mixture, allowing it to simmer briefly to meld the flavors together. This should take around 5 minutes on low heat.
-
Layer broken lasagna noodles in the greased sheet pan. Spoon dollops of the ricotta and sausage mixture over the noodles to ensure every bite bursts with delicious flavor.
-
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and half of the Parmesan evenly over the top. This will create a beautifully cheesy crust once baked.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the cheese is bubbling gloriously. Allow the lasagna to cool slightly for easier slicing before serving.
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sheet-Pan Lasagna
Fridge: Keep your Sheet-Pan Lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Freezer: This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent browning.
Leftovers: To enhance your next-day leftovers, try adding a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving to refresh the flavors.
What to Serve with Sheet-Pan Lasagna?
After a hearty slice of comforting lasagna, complement your meal with delicious sides that enhance every bite.
- Garlic Bread: Freshly baked, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of marinara sauce, making each mouthful even more delightful.
- Caesar Salad: The crunchy romaine and creamy dressing contrast beautifully with the lasagna’s gooey texture, adding a refreshing touch to your plate.
- Steamed Broccoli: Tender-crisp broccoli is a nutritious side that balances the richness of the lasagna, while its bright green color adds vibrancy to your meal.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a light and fresh option that pairs excellently with the flavors of Italian cuisine.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables, roasted until caramelized, complements the savory flavor profile of the lasagna and provides a warm, comforting touch.
- Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, enhances the savory essence of the lasagna, making it a perfect sip to relax with.
- Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic Italian dessert, its coffee-flavored richness a perfect conclusion to a hearty dinner.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a lighter dessert option, refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate while providing a zesty finish to your meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Sheet-Pan Lasagna creations are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply layer the broken noodles, ricotta, and sausage mixture in the greased pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For best quality, keep the mozzarella cheese aside and add it just before baking to ensure that it melts perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, remove from the fridge, sprinkle the mozzarella on top, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. With these steps, you’ll enjoy a homemade meal just as delicious as if it were prepared fresh!
Expert Tips for Sheet-Pan Lasagna
• Crispy Edge Perfection: Use smaller pieces of broken noodles for even cooking and to achieve those coveted crispy edges.
• Resting is Key: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
• Sauce Sufficient: Ensure you have enough sauce if using no-boil noodles, as they require moisture to cook properly.
• Customize Wisely: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients; try different proteins or add vegetables like spinach for a nutritious twist.
• Storage Smart: This Sheet-Pan Lasagna keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for convenient meals later!
Sheet-Pan Lasagna Variations
Discover how to personalize this delicious recipe and make it your own!
-
Vegetarian: Substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty meatless option.
Get creative by adding roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color. -
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the marinara for a delightful heat that tickles your taste buds.
You can also use spicy sausage for an extra kick! -
Extra Veggies: Amp up nutrition by adding diced zucchini or bell peppers.
Roast them beforehand for enhanced flavor, and watch kids enjoy them disguised within the layers. -
Whole-Grain Noodles: Swap traditional lasagna noodles for whole-grain versions for a healthier twist.
It’s an easy way to make the dish wholesome without sacrificing taste. -
Cheese Lovers: Double the mozzarella or try mixing in gouda for a unique twist on cheesiness.
This combo promises a creamy, gooey experience everyone will crave. -
Pesto Infusion: Incorporate a layer of basil pesto between the lasagna layers for a fragrant bump in flavor.
This variation adds a fresh, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the rich tomato sauce. -
Creamy Ricotta: Replace ricotta with a blend of mascarpone and ricotta for an ultra-creamy layer.
This swap brings a silky texture and luxurious flavor to the dish. -
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
With the right sauce and toppings, everyone can enjoy this delightful meal!
Sheet-Pan Lasagna Recipe FAQs
How should I choose my ingredients for Sheet-Pan Lasagna?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, select high-quality ingredients. Use ripe vegetables for freshness, such as sweet Italian sausage instead of lower-quality meats. When choosing your marinara sauce, go for brands without added sugars—this enhances the dish’s authenticity and flavor. And remember, fresh basil is always a winner over dried!
How long can I store my Sheet-Pan Lasagna in the fridge?
Very! You can store your Sheet-Pan Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to munch again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the leftovers into a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
Advertisement
Can I freeze my Sheet-Pan Lasagna?
Of course! This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to ensure it stays fresh. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring it’s covered to avoid excessive browning.
What if my lasagna comes out too watery?
Ah, a common concern! If your Sheet-Pan Lasagna turns out watery, this might be due to too much sauce or not letting it rest long enough after baking. Always allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting—this helps it set and keeps the layers intact. Alternatively, you can reduce the sauce before layering, or drain excess moisture from ingredients like vegetables or ricotta.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for anyone with allergies, ensure you’re mindful of the cheese and sausage ingredients. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the sausage with ground turkey or omit it altogether, and use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Additionally, always double-check labels on ingredients like marinara sauce, as some brands may contain allergens.
What should I serve with my Sheet-Pan Lasagna?
The more the merrier! This dish pairs fantastically with a refreshing side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread is another popular choice—the perfect vessel to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal fully with both sides for a truly hearty dinner experience!
Crispy Edges Sheet-Pan Lasagna for Quick Family Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the sheet pan with unsalted butter and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil until nicely browned. Add minced garlic and basil, sautéing for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine marinara sauce with the sausage mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer broken lasagna noodles in the greased sheet pan. Spoon ricotta and sausage mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and half of the Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until edges are crispy and cheese is bubbling. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.