No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna

4.80 from 20 votes

No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna

Get your cheesy, creamy, lasagna fix with this lasagna-inspired casserole that uses tender slices of butternut squash and skips the noodles and tomato sauce. Savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, goat cheese, and melty mozzarella make up the colorful layers.

Prep Time1

Cook Time50

Total Time1 50

Course: Main Dish

Keyword: butternut squash, casserole, gluten free, low carb, make ahead

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $8.00

Equipment

3 Quart Casserole Dish
Half Sheet Pan
Mixing Bowl
Saute Pan

Ingredients

15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped Fresh Parsley
1 large Egg
4 ounces Creamy Goat Cheese
1 pound Italian Sausage (see note)
8 ounces Baby Spinach
4 cloves Garlic
1 3 pound Butternut Squash, peeled, seeds removed and sliced into 1/8 inch slices
8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella, very thinly sliced
Salt and Black Pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C.
Spray a 3-quart casserole dish (rectangular or oval shaped will work) with nonstick cooking spray. Place casserole dish on a sheet pan (this is important to catch any drips if the casserole bubbles over).
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parsley, and egg. Stir well. Crumble goat cheese over top and stir until even. Set aside.
Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add sausage and saute until cooked through and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.
Return pan to heat.
To heated pan add spinach and garlic and saute until spinach is wilted and garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add spinach to bowl with the sausage and stir to combine.
Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with butternut squash slices. Season lightly with some salt and black pepper. (Don’t skip this step to lightly season each layer of butternut squash; this will help to bring out the flavors and draw out excess moisture from the squash as it bakes.)
Add a thin layer of mozzarella, then a thin layer of Italian sausage-spinach, and finally a thin layer of ricotta mixture. Continue the layers, including seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, until all of the ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of butternut squash. (Note: I like to save about 1/4 cup of the spinach and sausage mixture to put on top of the lasagna just for appearance.)
Cover the lasagna tightly with foil and bake until squash is tender, 35 to 50 minutes. (Note: Remove foil after 45 minutes and check to see if the squash is tender. If you sliced the squash by hand and / or the slices are on the thicker side, it may take the upper limit of the cook time.)
Remove foil and sprinkle the top of the lasagna with parmesan cheese.
Return to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, until golden brown on top, about 15 minutes more.
Let lasagna rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing (this short rest will help the slices to come out cleanly).

Video

Notes

Italian Sausage - Look for ground Italian sausage in mild and spicy versions, depending on your preference. For a lighter option, look for turkey or chicken Italian sausage which has all the flavor and is less rich than the classic variety made with pork.

Nutrition