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Cheesy Sausage & Spinach Lasagna Roll Casserole
Cheesy Sausage & Spinach Lasagna Roll Casserole
Elevate your comfort food repertoire with this Cheesy Sausage & Spinach Lasagna Roll Casserole. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna that combines savory sausage, creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and gooey cheese into neatly rolled bundles, baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish is as satisfying as it is visually stunning.
A Brief History of Lasagna
Lasagna, one of Italy’s most beloved dishes, has evolved over centuries from its origins in Ancient Rome. Traditionally layered, this recipe reimagines lasagna into roll-ups that are easy to serve and packed with concentrated bursts of flavor. The addition of sausage and spinach adds depth and nutrition, making this casserole a hearty meal for all occasions.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Roll Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water (to thin the sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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For the Lasagna Noodles:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage and Spinach Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Combine the spinach with the cooked sausage and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, then fold in the sausage and spinach mixture.
2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, water, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to warm the sauce and blend the flavors.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Rolls
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