How to Make Sausage Lasagna in a Cast Iron Skillet

When you’re craving hearty comfort food but want to keep it flavorful and balanced, Cast Iron Sausage Lasagna is the perfect choice. This version of lasagna takes all the classic elements—rich sausage, gooey cheese, and savory tomato sauce—and combines them in a cast-iron skillet for a deliciously crispy and bubbling finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a family-friendly meal, this lasagna hits all the right notes: it’s satisfying, easy to make, and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cast Iron Perfection: The cast iron skillet creates a crispy, caramelized crust while ensuring an even cook throughout.
Flavorful & Hearty: With seasoned sausage and a rich tomato sauce, this lasagna is a savory delight from the first bite.
Family Favorite: A dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup with all the magic happening in a single skillet.

Ingredients

For the Sausage Layer:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Layer:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lasagna Assembly:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use no-boil noodles)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Sausage Sauce:

1. In a large skillet or cast iron pan, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pan, add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooked sausage back to the pan, along with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of your cast iron skillet (or another oven-safe pan).
3. Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the sausage sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of sausage sauce on top.
4. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Lasagna:

1. Cover the skillet with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 21g | Protein: 21g | Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Noodles: For a more authentic texture, boil your lasagna noodles. If you’re short on time, no-boil noodles work just as well!
• Layer Carefully: Make sure to spread the sauce evenly in each layer to prevent the lasagna from becoming too dry or uneven.
• Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes slicing much easier.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble this lasagna a day ahead and bake it just before serving for added convenience.

Why This Recipe Works

• Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of savory sausage, rich cheese, and tangy tomato sauce provides a deeply satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
• Cast Iron Perfection: The cast iron skillet ensures the lasagna cooks evenly while giving it a crispy crust that adds texture and flavor.
• Balanced Layers: The layers of cheese and sausage sauce are balanced perfectly, making every bite flavorful and hearty.
• Simple Yet Delicious: It’s a straightforward recipe with simple ingredients, but it delivers big-time flavor.

This Cast Iron Sausage Lasagna is comfort food at its finest—loaded with rich sausage, gooey cheese, and a savory sauce, all baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. It’s easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or special gathering, this lasagna brings everyone to the table with its satisfying, flavorful layers. Enjoy this hearty meal with friends and family, and savor every bite!