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Collard Greens, Pumpkin, and Smoked Sausage Layered Lasagna
Collard Greens, Pumpkin, and Smoked Sausage Layered Lasagna
Main Course

Collard Greens, Pumpkin, and Smoked Sausage Layered Lasagna

★★★★★ 4.6 (403)

This hearty lasagna combines tender collard greens, sweet pumpkin, and smoky sausage for a comforting twist on a classic favorite. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up and impress your family with layers of bold, satisfying flavors.

◷ 1 hr 50 min Total Time
♜ 4 Servings
▥ Hard Difficulty
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Ingredients

4 servings
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Instructions

1

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Cook the lasagna noodles in a big pot of salted boiling water until they’re just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain them well, then toss the noodles with a tablespoon of olive oil in a baking pan so they don’t stick together.

2

Step 2

Next, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook it for about 4 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s nicely browned. Toss in the onion, turn the heat down to medium, and cook for another 4 minutes until the onion softens. Add the collard greens and keep cooking, stirring frequently, until they’ve wilted and most of the liquid has evaporated—this should take around 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute until it smells amazing. Season everything with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool a bit.

3

Step 3

In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, cayenne, and a teaspoon of salt with half a teaspoon of pepper. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, 1½ cups of Parmesan, 1 cup of fontina, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt and pepper.

4

Step 4

Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with cooking spray. Start assembling by spreading half a cup of the pumpkin mixture evenly on the bottom. Lay down 3 or 4 noodles on top, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the remaining pumpkin mix over the noodles, then spoon on half of the sausage and greens mixture. Add another layer of noodles, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over that. Repeat the layers one more time: noodles, pumpkin, sausage, noodles, and ricotta.

5

Step 5

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 50 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and heated through. When it’s done, take off the foil and switch your oven to broil. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and fontina over the top, then broil the lasagna about 4 inches from the heat for around 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving—it’ll be worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together hearty and healthy ingredients in a comforting layered casserole. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter collard greens and sweet pumpkin, creating a rich and balanced flavor. It’s a satisfying meal that feels both homey and unique.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add freshness. A side of crusty bread works well to soak up any sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted root vegetables or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the layers intact and flavors fresh. This dish also freezes well; wrap portions tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.