Name: Easy Baked 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; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

There’s something deeply comforting about a cheesy, hearty casserole that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is exactly that—rich layers of seasoned sausage, tender pasta, and creamy ricotta melded together under a blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s a simple but satisfying spin on traditional lasagna that’s totally weeknight-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe quickly became my go-to for feeding a hungry family or friends without slaving away on layers of noodles and sauce. It’s a casserole you can throw together with confidence, delivering that classic lasagna comfort without the fuss.

Simple assembly: No need to fuss over perfect layers—this casserole relaxes that traditional lasagna rigidity and still tastes insanely delicious.
Hearty flavor boost: Italian sausage adds just the right amount of savory richness and spice to the sauce.
Cheese lovers' dream: The creamy ricotta mixture scattered throughout means every bite has pockets of luscious, melty goodness.
Great for meal prep: This recipe scales well, freezes beautifully, and reheats like a charm for busy nights.

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

Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe plays a starring role, blending robust flavors with creamy textures. Using good quality cheese and fresh herbs really brings this dish to life—and buying Italian sausage with a bit of spice keeps things interesting!

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: Its ridged tube shape holds the sauce wonderfully, giving every bite a delicious punch of flavor.
Italian sausage: Brings bold and savory notes, perfectly seasoned to complement the tomato sauce.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build the foundational flavor of the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with fragrant Mediterranean vibes.
Pasta sauce: Use a quality jarred sauce to save time without sacrificing taste.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess with a mild tang, perfect for those cheesy pockets in the casserole.
Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture so it holds its own in the casserole layers.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
Parmesan cheese: A sharp, salty pop that enriches the ricotta mix and topping.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that gooey, dreamy finish everyone loves.

📝

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 my favorite things about this Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes or pantry staples. Whether you’re aiming for a milder version or love a little extra kick, there’s room to make this casserole truly yours.

Variation: I’ve swapped Italian sausage with ground turkey when I’m aiming for a lighter dish, and it still tastes fantastic—just add a pinch more seasoning to keep the flavor punch.
Vegetable boost: Sometimes, I throw in chopped spinach or mushrooms with the onion for extra veggies that sneak in without overwhelming the flavors.
Dairy free: Use plant-based ricotta alternatives and mozzarella to accommodate dietary needs—you won’t lose the creamy indulgence.

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

Step 1: Cook the rigatoni just right

I always recommend cooking the rigatoni just until al dente—follow the package instructions closely. Drain it well, but don’t rinse, so the sauce sticks nicely later. A quick tip: adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water really enhances the pasta flavor.

Step 2: Brown the sausage and build flavor

Brown the Italian sausage in a large saucepan, breaking it into small pieces. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing. Once it’s browned, toss in diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent—about 4-6 minutes—then add the jarred pasta sauce. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so all the flavors marry.

Step 3: Prepare the ricotta mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs with ricotta, salt, fresh parsley, Parmesan, and one cup of shredded mozzarella. This creamy mixture will be dotted throughout your casserole, creating those irresistible cheesy pockets that make everyone smile. I like to mix it gently but thoroughly until it’s all combined evenly.

Step 4: Assemble & bake your casserole

Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage sauce so it’s well coated, then pour everything into your greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Don’t try to spread your ricotta mix evenly—it’s actually best to dollop it in 6 mounds across the pasta. Mix a little of it in roughly, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until you see bubbling edges and melty cheese on top.

Top Tip

After making this Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few insider tips that really elevate the final dish. Trust me, they’re small but make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Cheese quality matters: I always shred mozzarella and grate Parmesan fresh from the block for the best melt and flavor.
Dollop, don’t spread: Trying to smooth the ricotta mixture perfectly wastes time and isn’t necessary—random pockets of ricotta are the charm of this recipe.
Broil for a golden top: If you want that gorgeous browned cheese finish, switch the oven to broil in the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Leaving it al dente helps the casserole keep a nice texture after baking and prevents mushiness.

How to Serve Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a light freshness. Sometimes I add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Freshly grated Parmesan at the table never hurts either—because who can resist more cheese?

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is a classic partner to help scoop up leftover sauce. Sometimes I throw in roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for color and a healthy punch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy touch or layered it in a cast iron skillet so it comes straight to the table sizzling. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top adds a bright note and a pop of vibrant color before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool to room temp before refrigerating so it keeps its texture nicely.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping. I freeze it before baking, tightly wrapped with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a bit more time.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through, to keep the cheese from drying out. A quick few minutes under the broiler after reheating can revive that fresh-baked cheese bubbly top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or a blend of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty veggie version. Adjust seasoning accordingly for best flavor.

What type of Italian sausage should I use?

I usually choose sweet or mild Italian sausage for this recipe, but if you love a little heat, spicy Italian sausage works beautifully and adds a nice kick.

Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge—just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it okay to use no-boil noodles instead of rigatoni?

No-boil noodles would work, but since rigatoni holds sauce so well, it’s my preferred pasta here. If you try no-boil sheets, you may need to add a bit more sauce or a splash of water to keep things moist during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe has been a comforting staple on my table for years, always earning requests for seconds (and thirds!). It’s the kind of dish you can trust to feed a crowd and satisfy cravings, with minimal stress. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your favorite weeknight dinner solutions too!