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Freezer Lasagne

A delightful freezer lasagne recipe that combines Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and rich cheeses, perfect for making ahead and serving a crowd.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: comfort food, Family Dinner, Freezer Lasagne, Lasagna, Make Ahead
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the Meat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking
  • 450 grams Italian sausage Can use pork, turkey, or plant-based
  • 1 teaspoon salt Divided
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Ricotta Mixture

  • 425 grams part-skim ricotta cheese Divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 80 grams fresh basil Chopped, plus extra for garnish

For the Assembly

  • 225 grams cremini mushrooms Divided
  • 1,350 grams marinara sauce Divided (2 jars of 675 grams each)
  • 255 grams no-boil lasagna sheets Barilla Oven Ready Lasagne, divided
  • 340–450 grams shredded mozzarella Divided
  • 100 grams shredded Parmesan cheese Divided

Instructions

Prepare the Meat

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • If using link sausage, remove it from the casings and discard. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking the meat apart until it’s no longer pink.
  • Drain any excess grease and return the pan to the heat.
  • Stir in the garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

  • In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and chopped basil. Mix well and set aside.

Prepare the Mushrooms

  • Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely. Set aside.

Assemble the Lasagne

  • Lightly coat the bottom of a deep, freezer-safe 33×23 cm pan with 250 ml of marinara sauce.
  • Lay 4 lasagna sheets over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
  • Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by ⅓ of the cooked sausage, and then ⅓ of the chopped mushrooms around the edges.
  • Sprinkle ¼ of both mozzarella and Parmesan, and pour 250 ml of marinara sauce evenly over the top.

Repeat Layers

  • Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with 4 lasagna sheets on top.
  • Pour the remaining marinara over the sheets and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Freezing the Lasagne

  • Coat a large piece of heavy-duty foil with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cover the unbaked lasagne tightly with foil, crimping the edges around the pan. Wrap it with one or two additional layers of foil.
  • Freeze for up to 3–4 months.

How to Serve Freezer Lasagne

  • When ready to enjoy, allow the lasagne to cool slightly before slicing into squares.
  • Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil over the top.
  • Pair your lasagne with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some garlic bread on the side.
  • For drinks, a glass of sparkling water or a light red wine will complement the dish beautifully.

Notes

Make Ahead: This lasagne freezes wonderfully, so feel free to make a big batch and save for later meals. Veggie Twist: Swap in extra vegetables for the meat, such as zucchini or spinach. Layering Variations: Mix up your cheese by adding ricotta to the layers or using different cheeses like gouda or cheddar.