THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Savory Lasagna with Collard Greens, Pumpkin, and Smoked Sausage
This hearty dish combines smoky sausage, tender collard greens, and sweet pumpkin for a comforting twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients everyone will love.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Savory Lasagna with Collard Greens, Pumpkin, and Smoked Sausage
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F. While it’s warming up, 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 to keep them from sticking together.
02
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, lower the heat to medium, and cook for another 4 minutes until the onion softens. Add the collard greens and keep cooking, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes until the greens wilt and most of the liquid has cooked off. Stir in the garlic and cook just until you can smell its aroma, about a minute. Season everything with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, then take the pan off the heat and let it cool a bit.
03
Step 3
In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, along with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan, 1 cup of fontina, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt.
04
Step 4
Now it’s time to assemble. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread about half a cup of the pumpkin mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer 3 or 4 noodles over that, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the remaining pumpkin mixture on top, then half of the sausage and greens. Add another layer of noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this pattern: noodles, pumpkin mixture, sausage mixture, noodles, and finish with the rest of the ricotta mixture.
05
Step 5
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 50 minutes, until it’s bubbly around the edges and heated through. Remove the foil, preheat your broiler, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and fontina cheese on top. Broil the lasagna about 4 inches from the heat for around 4 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely. Enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
This dish combines hearty and nutritious ingredients in a comforting way. The smoky sausage adds depth, while the pumpkin brings a subtle sweetness. Collard greens provide a fresh, earthy balance, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
How to serve
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls also pairs well, helping to soak up any sauce.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
