Festive & Flavorful Christmas Sausage Lasagna 🎄
A hearty and festive Christmas lasagna featuring hot Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy cheese blend, perfect for your holiday dinner. With layers of rich sauce, savory meat, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, it's a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet
- Electric Mixer
- 9x13-inch baking pan
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large red bell pepper for vibrant color!
- 1 large green bell pepper for festive green!
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic for more flavor!
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves chopped (for aromatic freshness!)
Pasta & Meat
- 12 lasagna noodles consider whole wheat for extra fiber!
- 1 pound lean hot Italian sausage turkey or chicken sausage works great for a lighter option!
Dairy & Sauce
- 16 ounces light cream cheese softened (reduced-fat option for a healthy twist!)
- 0.67 cup milk skim or unsweetened almond milk for fewer calories
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 24 ounce jar low-sodium pasta sauce check labels for no added sugar!
Instructions
- 1. Get Ready! Move your oven rack to the middle and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cook your lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set them aside.
- 2. Prep Your Veggies! If you're planning a festive Christmas tree design on top of your lasagna, set aside about a third of each red and green bell pepper. Dice the remaining parts of the bell peppers finely and keep them separate.
- 3. Brown the Goodness! In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic powder, and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- 4. Whip the Creamy Layer! While the sausage cooks, grab a mixer and beat the softened cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
- 5. Add the Dairy! With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the milk in a steady stream until just combined.
- 6. Creamy Perfection! Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely lump-free.
- 7. Cheese Blend Magic! In a separate medium bowl, gently toss together the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Reserve 1½ cups (about half) of this cheese blend for later. Add the remaining cheese to your cheesy cream cheese mixture and mix until it's evenly distributed.
- 8. Layer It Up! Now, ensure any remaining fat is drained from your sausage mixture. Stir in the pasta sauce, water, and chopped fresh basil until everything is well combined.Spread a generous third of the sausage-sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cheesy cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add another layer of 3 noodles. Spoon half of the remaining sausage mixture on top. Place 3 more noodles. Spread the rest of the cheesy cream cheese mixture. Add the final 3 noodles. Top with the last of the sausage mixture and sprinkle with your reserved 1½ cups of cheese. If you're feeling creative, use your reserved bell pepper pieces to craft a festive Christmas tree design on top!
- 9. Bake to Golden! Cover your lasagna pan snugly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna cool for a good 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with a little extra fresh basil if you like!
Notes
Healthy Tip: Drain any excess fat from the sausage mixture thoroughly!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 487kcal
- Total Carbs: 29g
- Net Carbs: 27g
- Fats: 32g
- Protein: 20g
