This lasagna with jar sauce is an easy family dinner made with Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, lasagna noodles, and your favorite store-bought pasta sauce.
Using jarred sauce keeps prep simple while still creating a hearty, cheesy lasagna that tastes homemade. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for Sunday dinner, family gatherings, or meal prep.
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Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
- Marinara Sauce: We like Classico Tomato & Basil pasta sauce for this but you can use your favorite brand or variety.
- Ground Italian Sausage: You can use mild or spicy. Our grocery store usually has one kind so that is what we use. You could use a half pound sausage and a half pound ground beef if you like.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use pre-shredded mozzarella for cleaner slices or freshly grated mozzarella for a softer, gooier lasagna.
- Ricotta Cheese: Part skim-milk or whole milk ricotta cheese will work. I do not recommend cottage cheese for this because it is a different consistency than ricotta cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Lasagna Noodles: Cooked al dente.
- Eggs: These are used as a binder so your lasagna doesn’t come out too soupy.
How to Make Lasagna with Jar Sauce
- Heat oven to 350°. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and boil lasagna noodles for 2 minutes less than the shortest time specified on the package, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat to medium high heat brown sausage, breaking into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- In a medium bowl mix the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, and one cup mozzarella cheese until well combined; set aside.
- Spread one cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of a 9″ X 13″ baking dish, top with 4 lasagna sheets, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, half of the cooked sausage, half of the remaining pasta sauce, and half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining half of the ingredients.
- Bake 35 – 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly, allow to set up 5 – 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Lasagna with Jar Sauce
- Cook noodles slightly less than package directions.
- Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Use a thicker pasta sauce for cleaner slices.
- Freshly grate mozzarella for the best melt.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.
What to Serve With Lasagna
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Easy Lasagna Recipe with Jar Sauce
This easy lasagna recipe with jar sauce uses just 7 simple ingredients, including Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and store-bought pasta sauce for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 container Ricotta cheese 15 ounces
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 ounces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cook lasagna for 2 minutes less than the shortest time specified on the package (about 8 minutes), drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat brown sausage breaking into small crumbles as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl mix the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, and one cup mozzarella cheese until well combined; set aside.
- Spread one cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of a 9″ X 13″ baking dish, top with half of the lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, half of the cooked sausage, half of the remaining pasta sauce, and half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining half of the ingredients.
- Bake 35 – 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Allow to set up 5 – 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
I place 3 lasagna noodles lengthwise in the casserole dish then tear or cut the last piece so it is short enough to go the opposite direction.
Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Nutrition
Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 857mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 261mg | Iron: 2mg
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About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.