Gluten Free Lasagna Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a dinner classic all over again! This Gluten Free Lasagna brings all the bubbling, cheesy comfort of traditional lasagna, but in a way that’s completely celiac-friendly and perfect for anyone seeking a delicious, wheat-free meal. With layers of saucy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and plenty of gooey mozzarella sandwiched between tender gluten free noodles, every bite is hearty and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving gluten free guests, feeding your family, or simply craving a twist on a beloved favorite, this lasagna never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Gluten Free Lasagna is chosen for maximum flavor and perfect texture, coming together to create a dish that’s as rich and layered as the classic. Let’s talk through why they matter and how they shine in this recipe.
- Gluten free lasagna noodles: These make the dish safe for everyone; no boiling is needed, just layer dry for a perfectly tender bake.
- Ground Italian sausage: Provides hearty, savory depth and keeps every layer satisfying.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and body to the tomato sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A key to bringing classic herby Italian flavors that brighten up the sauce.
- Fire roasted tomatoes (blended): These bring a smoky-sweet complexity and luscious texture to the sauce.
- Sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors; adjust if your sausage or tomatoes are already salty.
- Black pepper: A gentle kick that rounds out the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Ricotta (full fat): Creamy and rich, it creates that classic, luscious middle layer.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for thick, satisfying layers.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds salty, nutty depth and irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- Mozzarella cheese (grated): The ultimate melt factor; makes the lasagna bubbly and golden.
- Fresh parsley or basil (garnish): A sprinkle of green brings freshness and a pop of color for serving.
How to Make Gluten Free Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. This gives you plenty of time to prep your sauce and cheese mixture while ensuring your oven is ready for action. A steady oven temperature is the secret to lasagna’s golden, bubbly top and perfectly tender noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic
Brown the Italian sausage in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s cooked through and fragrant, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside. In the same pan, add your diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and just starting to brown. This step builds a deeply savory base for the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the Italian seasoning, fire roasted tomatoes (already blended for a smooth finish), and sausage back to the pan. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Taste and season with sea salt and black pepper—you want a sauce that’s bold and savory, since it will carry the whole dish.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and 1/4 cup of parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy—this luscious mixture adds the perfect rich, fluffy layer that makes every forkful of Gluten Free Lasagna silky and decadent.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Spoon just enough sauce into the bottom of a 9″x13″ baking dish to coat it (this keeps the noodles from sticking and ensures tender edges). Lay four gluten free lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit the pan—no need to pre-boil!
Step 6: Ricotta, Cheese, and Sauce Layers
Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan on top. Pour about 2 cups of sauce over this cheesy layer. Repeat this process for another full layer: noodles, ricotta mixture, more cheese, and more sauce.
Step 7: Final Layers and Cheesy Top
Add a final layer of noodles, cover them with the remaining sauce, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella (about 2 cups) and the last 1/4 cup of parmesan. This ensures a bubbly, cheesy top that’s simply irresistible!
Step 8: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil (grease the underside of the foil if it touches the cheese to prevent sticking). Place a second sheet of foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until bubbling and the noodles are nearly tender.
Step 9: Brown the Top
Uncover the lasagna and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden and slightly crispy at the edges. This finishing touch is where all that irresistible lasagna-magic happens.
Step 10: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. This makes it easier to cut neat slices without everything falling apart (though it’s absolutely delicious even if you just can’t wait!). Finish each serving with a shower of fresh parsley or a few basil sprigs for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Gluten Free Lasagna
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your Gluten Free Lasagna with freshly chopped parsley or tuck a few small basil sprigs onto each slice. Not only does this bring a pop of vibrant color, but these fresh herbs also brighten up each bite with a little lift of garden-fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the lasagna by serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette. Gluten free garlic bread or roasted vegetables are also wonderful partners—think broccolini, asparagus, or even sweet roasted carrots for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Gluten Free Lasagna feel special for a dinner party, try baking individual servings in mini casserole dishes or ramekins. Or, slice the lasagna into smaller squares and serve as appetizers on a platter with toothpicks for dipping into extra sauce. This dish adapts beautifully for everything from casual weeknights to special occasions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop and blend as it sits, making the leftovers almost better than the first slice!
Freezing
Gluten Free Lasagna freezes exceptionally well. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or layer parchment between slices in a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly (usually 20-25 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover lightly and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot, but keep a close eye to avoid overcooking the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein or make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap in ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for plenty of hearty flavor.
What kind of gluten free noodles work best?
There are several brands of gluten free lasagna noodles—look for ones specifically labeled “oven ready” so you can skip the pre-cooking step. Rice-based or corn-based noodles both work great here and hold up well during baking.
Is there a dairy-free variation?
You bet! Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, available in many grocery stores. Just be sure to select options that melt well and are labeled gluten free to keep your lasagna delicious and safe.
Can I assemble Gluten Free Lasagna ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble your lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, tightly covered. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to allow for the chilled dish to heat through evenly.
How should I blend the fire roasted tomatoes?
Simply pour the canned tomatoes into a blender and pulse until mostly smooth. If you like a little chunky texture in your sauce, you can leave a few pieces of tomato visible. This step ensures your sauce has just the right balance of body and silkiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that classic comfort food joy with a gluten free twist, this Gluten Free Lasagna is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Invite your friends, share with family, and discover just how satisfying and easy homemade lasagna can be—no wheat required!
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Gluten Free Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Lasagna recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Layers of gluten-free lasagna noodles, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella come together with a rich tomato sauce for a flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles:
- 9 ounces gluten-free lasagna noodles
Sauce:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 56 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes, blended
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 5 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- 1–2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or basil sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Sauté the sausage, then cook onion and garlic.
- Add Italian seasoning, tomatoes, and sausage to the pan. Simmer.
- Mix ricotta, eggs, and parmesan.
- Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, cheeses, and repeat.
- Cover and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Cool before serving with garnish.
Notes
- Choose quality gluten-free lasagna noodles for the best texture.
- Adjust seasoning and salt based on personal preference.
- Feel free to add more herbs or spices to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Gluten-Free Lasagna, Italian Sausage, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Comfort Food
