Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, offering a heartwarming blend of savory sausages, rich cheese, and tender pasta layers. This dish is an absolute treat for anyone craving the comfort of a traditional lasagna with a flavorful spin. Known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into exquisite meals, Mary Berry ensures that this lasagna recipe is not only deeply satisfying but also easy to execute, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of crafting Mary Berry’s Sausage Lasagna, ensuring you achieve a harmonious balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and the robust taste of sausage in every bite. Get ready to indulge in layers of comfort and flavor with this exceptional lasagna recipe.
What is Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna?
Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna is a delightful variant of the classic Italian dish, lasagna. This recipe replaces the traditional minced beef with sausages, adding a unique and flavorful twist. Inspired by renowned British cook Mary Berry, known for her simple yet sophisticated culinary style, this dish combines layers of pasta, cheese, homemade white sauce, and a rich sausage-based sauce. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Designed to serve 4-6 people, this lasagna recipe is straightforward and manageable, promising a deliciously fulfilling meal without the need for complex cooking techniques.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna recipe, such as:
- Flavorful Twist: Using sausages instead of minced beef offers a new depth of flavor.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of homemade white sauce and cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires common, easily available ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to various types of sausages and cheeses.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.
- Comfort Food: Embodies the essence of homely, comforting cuisine.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna
To make this sausage lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 fresh or dried lasagna sheets
- 50g (2oz) butter
- 50g (2oz) plain flour
- 600ml (1 pint) milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100g (4oz) grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 8 sausages, skins removed, and meat crumbled
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 400g (14oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna
To make this sausage lasagna, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and grease the baking dish
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6).
- Grease a 20 x 30cm (8 x 12in) baking dish with some butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the white sauce
- Melt 50g (2oz) of butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Add 50g (2oz) of plain flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, or until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in 600ml (1 pint) of milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick. You may need to increase the heat slightly to help the sauce thicken.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Stir in 50g (2oz) of grated cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley, until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Set the sauce aside and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the sausage sauce
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add 8 sausages, skins removed and meat crumbled, and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 15 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan.
- Transfer the cooked sausage meat to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook 1 onion, finely chopped, and 2 garlic cloves, crushed, for 10 minutes, or until soft and golden. Stir occasionally and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add 2 tbsp of tomato puree, 400g (14oz) of canned chopped tomatoes, 2 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of sugar, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning.
- Stir in the sausage meat and mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the lasagna
- Spoon a third of the sausage sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Cover the sauce with a layer of 4 fresh or dried lasagna sheets, trimming them to fit the dish if needed. If you use dried lasagna sheets, make sure to soak them in hot water before using them, or use no-boil lasagna sheets.
- Spoon over half of the white sauce and spread it evenly over the pasta layer.
- Repeat with another layer of sausage sauce, lasagna sheets, and white sauce.
- Finish with the remaining sausage sauce and sprinkle over the remaining 50g (2oz) of grated cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake the lasagna
- Cover the lasagna loosely with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna?
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauces.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus offer a healthy, light side.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna
- Quality Sausages: Choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor and texture.
- Layering: Ensure even layering of sauces and sheets for consistent cooking and texture.
- Pre-Cook Sheets: If using dried lasagna sheets, pre-cook them as per package instructions.
- Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for a good melting cheese like cheddar for a creamy topping.
Variations of Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausages with a vegetarian alternative or grilled vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to the sausage mixture for extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella, ricotta, or Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and ensure sausages are gluten-free.
How do I store Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna Leftovers?
Refrigerating:
- Cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Allow to cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in cling film and foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna Leftovers?
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cover lasagna with foil.
- Heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout.
Microwave Method:
- Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover loosely.
- Heat on medium power, checking and stirring at intervals.
Stovetop Method:
- Transfer to a skillet over low heat.
- Add a splash of water.
- Cover and heat gently, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition value per serving:
- Calories: 416
- Fat: 23g (11g saturated)
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 978mg
- Carbohydrate: 29g (8g sugars, 3g fiber)
- Protein: 25g
FAQs
How do I make sure the lasagna is cooked through?
You can check the doneness of the lasagna by inserting a knife or a toothpick into the center of the dish. If it comes out clean, the lasagna is done. If not, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I use different types of sausages in this lasagna recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe is versatile and allows for the use of various types of sausages based on your preference. You can choose from beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages. Each type will impart a unique flavor to the lasagna.
How can I make this lasagna recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna, you can substitute regular lasagna sheets with gluten-free ones. Also, ensure that the sausages and any other ingredients like tomato puree are gluten-free. Always check the labels to confirm.
What’s the best way to layer the lasagna for an even bake?
For an evenly baked lasagna, start with a layer of sausage sauce at the bottom of your dish to prevent sticking. Follow this with a layer of lasagna sheets, then a layer of white sauce. Repeat the layers, ensuring the final top layer is sausage sauce covered with grated cheese. This method ensures each serving has a good balance of pasta, sauces, and cheese.
Can Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna be made in advance and what’s the best way to reheat it?
Yes, you can prepare this lasagna in advance. Assemble the lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. For reheating, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), cover the lasagna with aluminum foil, and warm it for about 20-25 minutes. If reheating individual portions, a microwave or stovetop can be used, heating until it’s warmed through.
Conclusion
Mary Berry Sausage Lasagna is a delicious and easy lasagna recipe that uses sausages instead of minced beef. It’s inspired by the famous British cook and author, Mary Berry, who is known for her simple and elegant dishes. This lasagna is rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, and a glass of red wine. You can also freeze it for later or reheat it in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. You can customize it to suit your preferences and tastes by using different kinds of sausages, cheeses, sauces, herbs, spices, vegetables, or noodles.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and let me know how it turns out for you.
