Freezer Lasagna Recipe

Make easy homemade freezer lasagna with layers of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, mushrooms, and marinara sauce. This make-ahead lasagna is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, and easy weeknight meals. Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, then freeze for up to 4 months. Cheesy baked lasagna comes out hot and bubbly, ideal for reheating from frozen or after thawing. Includes tips for prepping, freezing, and baking lasagna for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 16 ounces Italian sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese, divided
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, divided
• 48 ounces marinara sauce (2 jars of 24 ounces each), divided
• 9-ounce package no-boil lasagna sheets (16 sheets, Barilla Oven Ready Lasagne), divided
• 12–16 ounces shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. If using link sausage, remove from casings and discard. Add sausage to skillet.
3. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and return the pan to heat.
4. Stir in garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and chopped basil. Mix well and set aside.

Prepare the Mushrooms

1. Remove stems and chop mushrooms. Set aside.

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Lightly coat the bottom of a deep, freezer-safe 13×9-inch pan with 1 cup of marinara sauce.
2. Place 4 lasagna sheets over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.
3. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
4. Sprinkle ⅓ of the cooked sausage over the ricotta.
5. Add ⅓ of the chopped mushrooms, spreading some around the edges.
6. Sprinkle ¼ of both mozzarella and Parmesan, then pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top.
7. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with 4 lasagna sheets on top. Pour remaining marinara over the sheets and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Freezing the Lasagna

1. Coat a large piece of heavy-duty foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cover the unbaked lasagna tightly with foil, crimping edges around the pan. Wrap with one or two additional foil sheets.
3. Freeze for up to 3–4 months.

Cooking Thawed Lasagna

1. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place foil-covered lasagna on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes.
4. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

Cooking Frozen Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place foil-covered frozen lasagna on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake 20–30 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna is perfect for busy families, meal prep, or anyone who loves a hearty, cheesy Italian classic. It’s freezer-friendly, easy to assemble, and packed with layers of flavorful sausage, creamy ricotta, mushrooms, and gooey cheese.

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Tips

• Use no-boil lasagna sheets to save prep time.
• For extra flavor, brown the mushrooms slightly before layering.
• Make sure the lasagna is fully thawed for even cooking if baking from frozen.
• Covering with foil ensures the cheese melts perfectly without burning.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap sausage for ground beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
• Cheese: Use part-skim or whole-milk ricotta, or add provolone for extra richness.
• Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Sauce: Try a homemade marinara or a tomato-basil pasta sauce for more flavor.

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FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be made ahead and frozen for months.

Do I need to thaw before baking?
You can bake it from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge. Cooking times differ slightly.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes, but cook them according to package directions before layering.

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Serving

Serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.

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Suggestions

• Freeze individual portions for quick weeknight dinners.
• Pair with a light red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, keeping flavors fresh.