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; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

There’s something so satisfying about a hearty, cheesy pasta bake that just warms the soul. This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe takes all the comfort of classic lasagna but in an effortless, crowd-pleasing casserole form that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family.

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

I’ve tried plenty of lasagna casseroles, but this one wins my heart every time. It’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful sausage sauce that feels like a hug in food form. Plus, it’s unexpectedly simple to pull together—even on a hectic evening.

Quick and fuss-free: No layering sheets of pasta—just rigatoni, sausage, and cheese mixed up and baked.
Flavor-packed: The Italian sausage and morning herbs give this dish a bold, savory kick you won’t forget.
Crowd-friendly: It’s perfect for feeding a big family or bringing to potlucks since it serves up to 15.
Comfort food, made your way: You can tweak the cheese or spice levels easily to suit your taste.

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

The ingredients here are simple, but each one plays an important role in making this Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe a winner. I always recommend grabbing fresh herbs and quality cheese for the best results—small upgrades make a big difference!

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 tube shape holds sauce and cheese, making every bite deliciously saucy.
Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory depth and some spice that sets this recipe apart from basic pasta bakes.
Onion & garlic: The flavor base—make sure to cook them until soft to bring out their sweetness.
Italian seasoning: Essential aromatic blend to tie all the flavors together.
Jarred pasta sauce: Convenient and reliable; use one you love because it really sets the tone.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and perfect for pockets of melty goodness throughout.
Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture so it doesn’t just melt away on baking.
Parsley: Freshness that cuts through richness and brightens the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and salty complexity—freshly grated is best.
Mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, melty magic—use shredded from a block for soft texture.

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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 like to tweak mine so it always feels a bit fresh and personalized—you absolutely should too!

Variation: Sometimes I swap Italian sausage for spicy chorizo or sweet sausage if I want a different flavor profile. It’s a nice way to keep things interesting without changing the method.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter option, you can use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella or add shredded zucchini to up the veggie content subtly.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while browning if you’re craving a little heat.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

I always start by cooking the rigatoni in salted boiling water until it’s just shy of al dente—this way it finishes perfectly in the casserole without turning mushy. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. Pro tip: Slightly undercooked pasta keeps the texture fantastic after baking.

Step 2: Build Flavor with the Sausage Sauce

In a large saucepan, I brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces for even cooking. Once browned, I add diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt—letting that cook until the onion softens brings out a lovely sweetness that balances the rich sausage. Next, I stir in the pasta sauce and simmer everything together for five minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Ricotta

While the sauce simmers, I whisk eggs in a bowl, then stir in ricotta, kosher salt, chopped parsley, Parmesan, and a cup of mozzarella. This mixture forms little cheesy pockets when dotted throughout the casserole. Don't worry about trying to spread it evenly—it’s okay if it looks a bit rustic!

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Now, stir the meat sauce into the cooked pasta, then pour it into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture into six mounds over the pasta, then gently swirl a bit around. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If you want a golden brown top, I recommend switching to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch it carefully!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe come out perfect every time, especially when you want to boost the flavor and avoid common pitfalls.

Cheese quality matters: Using freshly grated Parmesan and shredding mozzarella by hand truly enhances the dish’s flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that affect melt and flavor.
Don’t overmix ricotta: You want it chunky and creamy, not smooth—those little pockets of ricotta add wonderful creaminess.
Keep an eye on broiling: The cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds. I always set a timer when broiling the final burst of brownness.
Let it rest: After baking, give the casserole 10 minutes to set before scooping. It helps everything stay together and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley—it brightens the richness immediately. Occasionally, I’ll add a few torn basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, I usually serve it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, and sometimes garlic bread on the side to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli are great companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this for dinner parties, I serve it directly in the baking dish but add colorful bowls of salad and fresh bread artfully arranged around it. Layering fresh herbs and even edible flowers can also add a pretty touch for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I tightly wrap leftover casserole in plastic wrap or transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—making great next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. When freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen adding extra baking time. It’s a perfect freezer meal!

Reheating

Reheating works best in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to stop it drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the cheese a bit rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni’s tubular shape holds sauce nicely, you can substitute penne, ziti, or even broken lasagna noodles for a similar effect. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as shapes vary.

How spicy is the sausage in this recipe?

The recipe uses standard Italian sausage, which usually has a mild to medium spice level. If you prefer more heat, you can opt for spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes when cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Sure! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based sausage alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed and consider adding extra seasoning to boost flavor.

Is it better to use fresh or jarred pasta sauce?

Both work well, but I recommend using a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade sauce for the freshest flavor. The sauce is a base for the recipe, so quality really shines through.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage Lasagna Casserole Recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen because it blends comfort, convenience, and great flavor into one pan. It’s the kind of recipe I trust to please any crowd and is always a hit on busy nights. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—nothing beats sharing a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven with people you care about.