This cozy lasagna twist brings together spicy Italian sausage, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, and layers of melty cheese for a bold, comforting meal. It's rich without being heavy, perfectly balanced between heat and sweetness, and guaranteed to stand out from the typical red-sauce version. Ideal for make-ahead dinners, this one’s even better the next day.
Course Casseroles, Comfort Food, Fall Recipes, Main Course, Make-Ahead
Cuisine American-Italian Fusion
Servings 8
Calories 538kcal
Ingredients
1tbspolive oil
1lbhot Italian sausagecasings removed
1small onionchopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1can crushed tomatoes28 oz
1tspdried basil or oregano
salt and black pepperto taste
2mediumsweet potatoescooked and mashed
1cupricotta cheese
1egg
1cupshredded mozzarella cheese
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheese
9lasagna noodlescooked
1.5cupsshredded mozzarella cheesefor topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
In a 9x13" baking dish, spread a spoonful of sauce. Layer 3 noodles, half the sweet potato mixture, more sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat. Top with final noodles, remaining sauce, and 1½ cups mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a milder version, use sweet sausage or a mix of hot and mild. Butternut squash also makes a great swap for the sweet potatoes.