Sausage Lasagne
‘What’s wrong with a classic lasagne?’ I hear you cry! Stick with me here, I promise this non traditional lasagne is a total winner. I’ve seen some whacky lasagne variations in my time, from Mexican lasagne right through to dessert lasagne 😳 This sausage version doesn’t stray too far from the classic, but still offers a really tasty and noticeable difference. Here’s why you’re going to love this variation just as much (if not more):
Sausage and Fennel – Sausage and fennel is a beautiful combo that is celebrated in all it’s glory here. Flavour – Sausage/Pork is much richer in flavour in comparison to beef. Texture – Sausage also tends be softer and juicer than beef.
Sausage and Fennel Ragu
Now this is the star of the show. It’s rich, flavoursome, soft and juicy. It’s fairly similar to my Sausage Ragu Pappardelle, just with a few tweaks.
Sausage and Fennel Ragu Key Ingredients
Sausage – You’ll find ground sausage meat in most supermarkets/grocery stores. If you can’t find any, just grab some good quality ‘neutral flavoured’ sausages and squeeze the meat out the skin. Fennel – You’ll need dried whole fennel seeds, which are widely available in the seasoning section. From there you just need to crush them (I’ve added a section on this in the recipe card). Thyme & Bay Leaves – No other herbs needed! Just enough to add a gentle background flavour, but not too much the fennel is overpowered. Red Wine – All good ragus have red wine – hey, I don’t make the rules 😁
How to make Sausage and Fennel Ragu (quick summary)
Bechamel Sauce
All good lasagnes are made with a bechamel sauce – again, I don’t make the rules 🤣 Unlike the American style version (Lasagna with an ‘a’ at the end), this version uses a homemade bechamel sauce, in contrast to a ricotta based layer. Here’s what you’ll need for a simple bechamel sauce:
Bechamel Sauce Ingredients
Milk Flour Butter Parmesan Nutmeg
Just like the ragu, it’s important to thicken the sauce before layering the lasagne. It should easily coat the back of a wooden spoon. If the consistency is too thin, the lasagne will come out sloppy.
How to make Bechamel Sauce (quick summary)
How to Layer Lasagne
There is no real written rule on how to layer a lasagne, so long as you distribute the fillings out evenly.
Can I make Sausage and Fennel Lasagne in advance?
Yep! Just ensure the ragu and bechamel sauce cool before layering the lasagne (or the sheets will start to cook and the lasagne will come out soft and mushy). Just cool, cover and store in the fridge for up to 24hours before cooking. Cook at the same temp, just consider adding an extra 5-10mins (or bring to room temp before baking). Or, store in the freezer for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge and cook accordingly.
Fresh vs Dried Lasagne Sheets
I always go fresh. I prefer the texture and the lasagne stays intact better. They also don’t come out so wavy. If you’ve only got dried sheets then just check the packet to see if you need to cook before hand. If you don’t need to cook them, then don’t reduce the ragu so much (the dried sheets will suck up more liquid than fresh).
How to Layer Sausage and Fennel Lasagne (quick summary)
That 4 layers of each (including ragu at the bottom)
What to serve with Sausage Lasagne?
Roasted Garlic Bread Cheesy Pesto Garlic Bread Cheesy Caprese Pull Apart Bread Garlic Butter Potato Skins Feta Bruschetta Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
And there we have it! If I haven’t sold a sausage lasagne to you now I never will 🤣 Hey, whilst you’re here, why not check out my other recipes!? For another delicious lasagne recipe check out my Epic Vegetable Lasagne or Classic Lasagne! Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full sausage fennel lasagne recipe!
How to make Sausage and Fennel Lasagne (Full Recipe & Video)
For more similar recipes check out these beauties:
Easy Sausage Recipes
Sausage and Bean Casserole Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage Meatballs Penne Arrabiata with Smoked Sausage Sausage Pasta in a Sun Dried Tomato & Mascarpone Sauce Sausage Orecchiette
Family Comfort Food Recipes
Mum’s Traditional Cottage Pie Dad’s Famous Chilli Con Carne Toad in the Hole Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
