If you’ve ever wished you could scoop up all the best parts of lasagna with a piece of crusty bread—well, this one’s for you. This hearty dip is layered with flavorful sausage, rich sauce, and a trio of melty cheeses. Everything comes together in one skillet, making it perfect for parties, game days, or those nights when “appetizer” accidentally becomes dinner. No judgment here!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound mild or hot Italian sausage (about 2 links, remove the casings)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- A few fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 3 leaves)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Cook the sausage:
Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns and loses its pink color.
Add seasoning and garlic:
Sprinkle in the Italian herbs and stir in the garlic. Let it cook together for about 30 seconds so the garlic becomes fragrant, but not browned.
Add sauce:
Pour in the marinara and stir well. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. Let the mixture gently simmer for about 5 minutes, then take the skillet off the burner.
Layer the cheeses:
Spoon small dollops of ricotta all across the top of the sausage mixture. Follow with an even layer of mozzarella, then finish with the Parmesan.
Bake until bubbly:
Slide the skillet into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle the basil over the top just before serving. Pair with toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or crackers.