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    You are here: Home » Food » Recipes » Smoked Sausage Lasagna

    Smoked Sausage Lasagna

    October 12, 2020 By Mary 48 Comments

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    Smoked Sausage Lasagna Pinterest Image

    Smoked Sausage Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, made with layers of smoked sausage and smoked tomato marinara sauce.

    Smoked Sausage Lasagna in a large casserole dish
    A great Sunday evening meal.

    Smoked Lasagna is a great comfort food. It’s not only a great use for smoked marinara sauce, it also a meal that feeds a crowd, and makes an amazing house warming or meal train idea for new parents.

    Looking for more comfort foods for the grill or smoker? You can check out our round up of great comfort food recipes.

    Think about it. The love we all have for lasagna just got 100 times more incredible by adding some delicious smoked sausage and rich smoked tomato sauce.

    Gift ideas for new parents or housewarming is smoked lasagna in a pan.
    Making two batches is a great idea for any meal train.

    Modifications

    I make different variations on homemade lasagna every time I make it. This is a very versatile and customizable recipe. Ideas include, adding:

    • Sautéed Mushrooms
    • Zucchini
    • Spinach (4 cups goes a long way with this dish)
    • Spicy Pickled Peppers

    If making gluten free, use the same technique with your favorite gluten free lasagna noodles.

    The Day Before – Smoke Sausage and Tomatoes

    If you’re making the Smoked Tomato Marinara Sauce: Go ahead and smoke the tomatoes and the sausage at the same time. And ideally just make both the day before you make the lasagna. Or time it so you can make the marinara sauce prior to constructing the lasagna.

    1. Prep your Italian sausage by breaking it up and placing it on a sheet pan. Or consider buying it in bulk versus in a sausage casing.
    2. Smoke sausage at 250 degrees F for 60 minutes, until the sausage reads 155 degrees at its thickest point. It will continue cooking in the lasagna too.
    3. Make your Smoked Tomato Marinara Sauce. You might want to make extra sauce, because it’s incredibly easy to just sneak spoonfuls of it and eat it alone like it’s soup. I’m speaking from experience here!
    A large pot of tomato sauce
    This sauce also works great as a pizza sauce.

    Once that’s done, you can build your lasagna. If you are short on time you can make this in batches. The sausage and smoked tomato sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Even the smoked sausage lasagna itself can be assembled up to a day in advance and placed in the oven when it’s time to eat.

    How to Make Lasagna

    It’s all about the layering.

    1. Heat Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat up smoked sausage and smoked tomato sauce together.
    2. In a Medium Bowl: Combine the ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, prep cheeses.
    3. Layer Ingredients: Spread some of the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread some of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add ⅓ of the mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the smoked tomato sauce.
    4. Repeat: With noodles, ricotta mix, cheeses, and sauce 2 more times. Cover with 3 noodles. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and sauce. Cover with foil.
    5. Bake Lasagna: About 40 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake an additional 15 minutes to crisp up the exterior crust. Remove, and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
    Smoked sausage lasagna in a casserole pan

    Wine Pairing for Smoked Sausage Lasagna

    I love a good Italian red for this smoked sausage lasagna. Montefalco Rosso from Umbria is always a great choice. Montefalco Rosso DOC is made with primarily Sangiovese grapes (which are widespread in the area) blended with Sagrantino (the most important grape of the region), to give it structure and character, and often a small amount of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. They are like mini versions of Sagrantino di Montefalco, but great for everyday drinking as well as more affordable. If you’re not sure what exactly the magic of Sagrantino di Montefalco is, please head over here for a little primer.

    If you can’t find this wine, reach for your favorite Sangiovese, Barbera, or Zinfandel.

    Want another great lasagna recipe? Check out our cookbook!

    Other Smoked Tomato Recipe Ideas

    • Smoked Tomato Marinara Sauce
    • Smoked Tomato Bloody Mary
    • Meatball Sandwich
    • Smoked Tomato Bisque
    • Smoked Beef Lasagna — As seen in Fire + Wine Cookbook

    *This recipe was originally published in February of 2017 and republished in October 2020 with updated photos and recipe details.


    Smoked Sausage Lasagna

    Smoked Lasagna Recipe With Sausage

    Smoked sausage and smoked marinara sauce combined for a creative smoked lasagna recipe.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    To Smoked Sausage: 1 hour
    Total Time: 2 hours
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 403kcal
    Author: Mary Cressler | Vindulge
    Cost: $22.00

    Ingredients

    For the smoked sausage:

    • 1 lb ground bulk hot Italian sausage

    For the Lasagna:

    • 4 cups smoked marinara sauce
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 12 no-boil or oven ready lasagna noodles
    • 1 16-ounce container whole-milk ricotta cheese
    • 1 large egg
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups packed tight)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    For the Sausage:

    • Preheat smoker to 225 degrees, using oak wood.
    • Place sausage spread out on a large foil-lined cookie sheet in small clumps.
    • Smoke for 60 minutes and remove. Look for a darker color on the exterior while still moist. It will continue cooking in the lasagna.

    For the Lasagna:

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1-tablespoon olive oil and the smoked sausage. Add 4 cups of the smoked tomato marinara sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix together and let cook 5 minutes to combine.
    • In a medium bowl combine the ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
    • Spread ½ cup of the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add ⅓ of the mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the smoked tomato sauce.
    • Repeat with noodles, ricotta mix, cheeses, and sauce 2 more times. Cover with 3 noodles. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and sauce. Cover with foil.
    • Bake lasagna, covered with foil, for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 more minutes, until heated through and liquid is bubbly. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    You can use traditional boiled lasagna noodles too. Works great with either style. Just follow the directions to cook traditional noodles.
    No boil are just super easy! One less step.
    You can add veggies to this too. It works well with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Just add the veggies to the layers.
    Find the perfect wine pairing at the Vindulge Wine Shop

    Nutrition

    Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1066mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 287mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge

    If you like this recipe we’d truly appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review! And if you share any of your pics on Instagram use the hashtag #vindulge. We LOVE to see it when you cook our recipes. 


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      January 03, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best lasagna I’ve ever made, and my family absolutely loved it! I made the smoked marinara sauce first, and then the day before I made the lasagna I smoked the sausage. Wish I would have snapped a picture, but my sons dug in before I had a chance! We served it with Caesar salad and French bread. I love to cook for my family and I’m especially proud when they ask me to make something again! Thank you for helping me with my grilling/smoking skills!!!

      Reply
      • Sean Martin says

        January 03, 2021 at 6:52 pm

        Lisa that is awesome!!! Thank you so much for sharing and we are so happy your family loved it!

        Reply
    2. Tamara says

      February 22, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      I have to admit that I have never made a lasagna before. Would love to try this one out for the first time.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 22, 2016 at 1:56 pm

        Oh yes, this would be a great first lasagna!!! It’s a pretty simple and straightforward process after smoking up the sausage!!

        Reply
    3. CourtneyLynne says

      February 22, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Omg!!!! This looks amazing!!!!!!! Definitely need to give your recipe a try 🙂

      Reply
    4. Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      February 20, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      Ooh, this looks amazing! Lasagna is one of my favorite dishes…love that you used smoked sausage too! A must-try!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 22, 2016 at 1:55 pm

        Doooo it! It’s so good!!

        Reply
    5. Aarika says

      February 19, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy infinity squared! =) Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous and inviting. I can almost smell the delicious aromas from the photographs. I have never had wine with Sangiovese grapes. This is going on my list. Thanks for all the mouth-watering recipes and wine pairings. Fabulous!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 19, 2016 at 6:12 pm

        Awe thanks 🙂
        Little tip, Chianti is also made from primarily sangiovese grapes. So if you’ve had Chianti from Italy then you’ve had sangiovese grapes and probably never even knew it!! Sangiovese is high in acidity, so makes it pair well with foods that are also high in acidity (like tomato sauce). Which is why Chianti is so great with a lot of traditional Italian cuisine 🙂

        Reply
    6. Katarzyna says

      February 19, 2016 at 2:36 pm

      You had me at “smoked”! I absolutely love anything that is smoked and your recipe sounds delicious!

      Reply
    7. Clare Speer says

      February 19, 2016 at 10:05 am

      Wow wow – you had me at “lasagna” – I love anything pasta but lasagna is one of my favorites and this looks wonderful!

      Reply
    8. Nicole says

      February 19, 2016 at 3:51 am

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! Pinning for later.

      Reply
    9. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says

      February 19, 2016 at 2:46 am

      I will absolutely risk my dairy intolerance for this dish. I love lasagna!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 19, 2016 at 10:51 am

        It’s totally worth it 😉

        Reply
    10. ruthie says

      February 19, 2016 at 1:27 am

      Making lasagna has always intimidated me, but this looks just way too good not to try. What an amazing recipe!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 19, 2016 at 10:51 am

        I used to be intimidated by it too! But it’s actually so simple. Just about layering a bunch of delicious stuff on top of each other 😉

        Reply
    11. Rachel @ My Urban Oven says

      February 18, 2016 at 11:08 pm

      This recipe sounds fantastic. Perfect lasagna to have stored away in the freezer or to bring to a friend as a gift. Love the smoke idea so much!

      Reply
    12. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      February 18, 2016 at 6:56 pm

      The smoked tomato sauce looks AMAZING – And, leftover lasagna is never a bad thing!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 7:32 pm

        Nope, not at all!! In fact we had so much leftover from all the batches we have a whole batch we ended putting in the freezer. Now we can have it any time we’re craving it 🙂

        Reply
    13. Erin says

      February 18, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      Beautiful photos! Love the idea of the smoked marinara sauce!!

      Reply
    14. Lucy says

      February 18, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      A few days after I had my son, a friend showed up with quinoa-stuffed acorn squash, a big green salad, and a bottle of red wine. I was so touched–and so starving! I’ll never forget it. This lasagna sounds delish. I love the idea of smoked tomato sauce!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 7:31 pm

        The same thing happened to us!! We had a friend bring over some amazing and unexpected food for us after the birth of our boys. We were so incredibly grateful and touched that we now do it for any friend near us who has a new baby. I know a lot of parents have a hard time asking for help (I know I did!!), so we just bring over food no matter what.

        Reply
    15. Jessica says

      February 18, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      This lasagna looks good enough to eat right now! I can just imagine how good it must taste! Yum! Thanks for the recipe. I’m giving it 5 stars.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 7:29 pm

        Thanks so much 🙂

        Reply
    16. Ashley says

      February 18, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      Oh my gosh, that looks so amazing! I am such a lasagna lover and this is on my must-do list now! Yummy!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 7:29 pm

        Lasagne = greatest comfort food ever!

        Reply
    17. jenni says

      February 18, 2016 at 3:19 pm

      Hahaha… I love that you can actually see from the photos that you test your recipes! This looks amazing… smoked tomatoes would make the dish for me. YUM. I could certainly live off of lasagna for 6 days, I am a bit like Garfield the cat that way.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 7:28 pm

        Haha yup, we’re big into testing recipes around here. Sometimes obsessively!!! It took us over a year (and dozens of attempts!) to finally get our smoked jalapeño poppers right. The lasagna was definitely a fun one to test. I wanted to know how it changed when making a double batch, and what the different noodle styles did to the end product, as well as adjusting different seasonings. We definitely ended up sharing some of the leftovers with other neighbors too 🙂

        Reply
    18. Leah says

      February 18, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      Sounds like such a lovely concept! I love the idea of the smoked flavor in there! Yum!

      Reply
    19. Claira says

      February 18, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      A smoked pasta sauce sounds like an amazing addition to lasagna ! I cant wait to try it.

      Reply
    20. Maggie Unzueta says

      February 18, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my! That looks incredible. I haven’t made lasagna in years…

      Reply
    21. grace says

      February 18, 2016 at 12:15 pm

      this is the smokiest lasagna that was ever made, i feel pretty comfortable stating that! looks delicious, mary. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 12:21 pm

        Ha 😉 Thanks so much!!

        Reply
    22. Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says

      February 18, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      Yum! I love the process of making lasagna, and am very intrigued by the roasted tomatoes!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 12:21 pm

        The tomatoes rock. You can use them for so many things (smoked tomato soup, bloody mary mix, pasta, pizza sauce, etc!). Super versatile.

        Reply
    23. Lottie L'Amour says

      February 18, 2016 at 11:52 am

      A guaranteed way to make me drool when talking about food is to tell me that the flavouring is smoked… this looks so gorgeous and you’re right – the best way to congratulate new parents!

      Lottie xx
      http://lottielamour.co.uk

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 12:20 pm

        Ha 😉 Smoked food = best food!

        Reply
    24. Brianne says

      February 18, 2016 at 11:40 am

      Lucky neighbors! This looks A-MA-ZING! I’ve never tried that Arnaldo-Caprai wine but, based on your description, it seems like my kind of wine! I will need to keep an eye out for it!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 12:20 pm

        It’s consistently a good wine, that’s for sure!! I hope you find it!

        Reply
    25. Deborah says

      February 18, 2016 at 11:17 am

      This looks so yummy! And, I love that you offer a wine pairing. That’s an area I want to know about, but tend to always fail.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 11:29 am

        Well you’ve come to the right place if you want wine recommendations 😉

        Reply
    26. Valentina | The Baking Fairy says

      February 18, 2016 at 11:10 am

      This lasagna looks and sounds absolutely incredible! Holy yum. I’m totally impressed that you made your own smoked tomato sauce, too. Pinning for later! 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 11:29 am

        Thanks! The sauce is so easy! And if you’re smoking the sausage anyways, it takes no extra time to throw on some tomatoes too!!

        Reply
    27. Deux Bella says

      February 18, 2016 at 10:48 am

      This looks absolutely delicious!!! I am definitely going to try this out!! Those tomatoes look AMAZING!!! Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 11:28 am

        They are so good! I hope you get to try them out 🙂

        Reply
    28. Candy says

      February 18, 2016 at 10:30 am

      Smoked sausage and sauce sounds delicious.

      Reply
    29. Miranda says

      February 18, 2016 at 10:18 am

      That looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try it!!!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        February 18, 2016 at 11:28 am

        Thanks!!

        Reply

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    Mary-Cressler-Sept-2015-smI'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, and founder of Vindulge and author of Fire + Wine cookbook.  Thanks for stopping by!

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