Italian Sausage Lasagna

For those who prefer more spice to their lasagna , sausage is the perfect choice over ground beef. Filled with herbs and spices, along with 3 cheeses, this sausage lasagna is a winner for a tasty Italian meal.



Ingredients:

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 cups Italian style diced tomatoes (from 28-oz can), undrained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
12 uncooked lasagna noodles (12 ounces)
1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese 
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)



Directions:

1. Cook sausage, onion and garlic in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.

2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the basil, tomatoes and tomato sauce. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low.

3. Simmer uncovered about 45 minutes or until slightly thickened.

4. Heat oven to 350ºF. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package. 

5. Mix ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon parsley and the oregano.

6. Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture in ungreased rectangular baking dish, 13x9x2 inches. Top with 4 noodles.

7. Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture over noodles; spread with 1 cup of the sauce mixture.

8. Sprinkle with 2/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with 4 noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, 1 cup of the sauce mixture and 2/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

9. Top with remaining noodles and sauce mixture.

10. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. 

11. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly.

12. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.