Description
Spicy Italian sausage meets creamy sweet potato in this hearty lasagna recipe from Southern kitchens. Layered with rich marinara and melted cheeses, this dish promises comfort and bold flavors for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) ground hot Italian sausage
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 pound (454 g) mozzarella (shredded)
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz / 794 g)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 16 oz (454 g) fresh or no-bake lasagna noodles
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 ½ tsps Italian seasoning (crushed)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium flame. Sizzle spicy sausage with onions and garlic, crumbling meat until deeply caramelized and richly browned.
- Sauce Refinement: Infuse crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture, stirring consistently for 25 minutes, skimming excess fat and developing complex flavor profiles.
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position baking sheet on bottom rack for drip protection. Generously butter a 9×9-inch casserole dish with robust sides.
- Filling Creation: Blend mashed sweet potatoes, ricotta, egg, parsley, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper into a harmonious, creamy mixture with balanced texture and seasoning.
- Lasagna Assembly: Layer sauce foundation in dish, then arrange noodles. Spread sweet potato mixture evenly, alternating with noodle layers, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layering process, ensuring consistent coverage and even distribution of ingredients.
- Baking Process: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, then shield with aluminum foil and continue cooking for additional 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Serving Technique: Rest lasagna for 5-10 minutes, allowing layers to settle and flavors to meld. Cut into precise portions and serve hot.
Notes
- Manage Sauce Consistency: Keep stirring the sauce to prevent burning and ensure even flavor distribution. Remove excess fat for a cleaner, lighter taste.
- Prep Sweet Potato Filling: Mash sweet potatoes smoothly to create a uniform, creamy texture that blends seamlessly with ricotta and other ingredients.
- Control Moisture Levels: Use a baking sheet underneath to catch potential drips and prevent oven mess. Resting time after baking helps lasagna set and makes slicing easier.
- Balance Cheese Layers: Distribute mozzarella evenly to guarantee consistent melting and a golden, appetizing top layer that provides rich, gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg