Lasagna Dip

Introduction

Imagine all the comforting, cheesy, meaty layers of a classic lasagna transformed into one irresistible, scoopable dip. This Lasagna Dip captures that familiar flavor in a fun, shareable format perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in. You get the savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella in every bite, all served straight from the skillet with your favorite dippers.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1/2 lb. hot Italian sausage (about 3 links)
1 1/4 cups RAGÚ® Homestyle Thick & Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
8 slices mozzarella (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the hot Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
Stir the RAGÚ® Homestyle Thick & Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce into the cooked sausage and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded parmesan, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
Spread the sausage and sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Carefully spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the sausage layer.
Arrange the 8 slices of mozzarella cheese in a single layer to completely cover the top of the ricotta mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots.
Let the dip cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, as it will be very hot. Serve warm.

Variations

Individual Portions: Bake the assembled dip in small ramekins for individual servings and easier serving.
Broiler Finish: For a more browned, bubbly top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Different Dippers: Beyond tortilla chips, serve with toasted baguette slices, garlic breadsticks, breaded mozzarella sticks, or even sturdy vegetable sticks like bell peppers and zucchini.
Herb Boost: Stir a tablespoon of fresh, chopped basil into the ricotta mixture for a brighter flavor.

Tips for Success

Let the ricotta mixture sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before mixing for easier blending.
For a smoother spread, use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula to layer the ricotta mixture over the sausage.
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it goes from stovetop to oven easily and keeps the dip warm at the table.
Draining the sausage grease well prevents the bottom layer from becoming oily.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use mild Italian sausage instead?

Absolutely. Using mild sausage will give you all the flavor without the spice, making it more kid-friendly.

My ricotta layer is hard to spread. What can I do?

Make sure your ricotta is well stirred and at room temperature. You can also drop it in dollops over the sausage layer and then gently press and swirl them together.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dip completely in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold.

What can I use if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Prepare the sausage and sauce in any skillet, then transfer it to a greased 8×8 inch or similar sized baking dish to assemble and bake.

Is there a substitute for the RAGÚ® sauce specified?

While the recipe was tested with that specific sauce for its thick, hearty texture, you can substitute it with 1 1/4 cups of another thick, flavorful pasta sauce.

Can I freeze this dip?

Freezing is not recommended, as the ricotta cheese may separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating.