Mary Berry Express Lasagne – quick, simple and delicious

Mary Berry Express Lasagne – quick, simple and delicious

Mary Berry Express Lasagne

Layers of rich sausage meat and mushroom sauce mingle with vibrant tomato flavours in this comforting twist on classic lasagne. The addition of spinach brings a fresh dimension that elevates this Mary Berry express lasagne dish to new heights.

If you crave a full-depth richer, creamier lasagne then you should see the Mary Berry Lasagne al forno – its a true classic.

Preparation time
25 minutes
Cooking time
40 minutes
Serves
Serves 6
Dietary
Contains dairy, gluten
By Mary Berry
From Saturday Kitchen
Original recipe from BBC Saturday Kitchen Live.

Nutri-Score CThis sausage meat and spinach lasagne recipe contains a moderate amount of protein from the pork sausage meat, and nutrients from spinach. However, it also includes full-fat crème fraîche and cheese, which contribute to higher fat content. The dish balances proteins with carbohydrates from pasta and includes vegetables, resulting in a moderate nutritional profile overall.


Equipment


Ingredients

  • butter for greasing
  • lasagne sheets 6 large dried
  • mature cheddar cheese 75g/2¾oz, grated

For the pork and spinach sauce

  • oil 1 tbsp
  • pork sausage meat 450g/1lb
  • plain flour 1 tbsp
  • red chilli 1, deseeded and finely chopped
  • garlic cloves 2 fat, crushed
  • chestnut mushrooms 250g/9oz, sliced
  • full-fat crème fraîche 200ml/7fl oz
  • baby spinach 100g/3½oz, roughly chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the tomato sauce

  • passata 500g/1lb 2oz
  • sun-dried tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • light muscovado sugar 1 tsp
  • fresh thyme leaves 1 tbsp, chopped
  • fresh sage 1 tbsp, chopped

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. Butter an ovenproof dish.
  2. Soak lasagne sheets in recently boiled water while preparing sauces.
  3. For pork and spinach sauce: Heat oil in large frying pan. Brown sausage meat over high heat (5-10 minutes), breaking it up with wooden spoons. Sprinkle with flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chilli, garlic and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms soften. Stir in crème fraîche and spinach. Bring to boil and simmer until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. For tomato sauce: Mix all ingredients in a jug or bowl. Season well.
  6. Drain lasagne sheets thoroughly.
  7. Layer the lasagne:
    • ⅓ spinach sauce
    • ⅓ tomato sauce
    • Half the lasagne sheets
    • ⅓ spinach sauce
    • ⅓ tomato sauce
    • Remaining lasagne sheets
    • Remaining spinach sauce
    • Remaining tomato sauce
    • Sprinkle grated cheese on top
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until pasta is tender and top is golden-brown and bubbling. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

  • Tip 1: lasagne sheets can vary in size, so you may need more or fewer sheets.
  • Tip 2: Soaking the sheets of dried lasagne really helps to soften them so that they absorb the sauce better. You could also use fresh sheets of lasagne.
  • Tip 3: The lasagne can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and cooked when required.
  • Tip 4: The uncooked lasagne can be frozen. Defrost fully before cooking.

Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Porta 6 Lisboa Red

This vibrant Portuguese blend offers juicy berry flavours with subtle spice notes that harmonise beautifully with the hearty sausage in this lasagne. Its medium body and smooth tannins complement the richness of the dish without overwhelming the delicate spinach elements.

Tesco: Chianti Classico Riserva

A traditional Italian red with bright cherry notes and earthy undertones that perfectly match the robust flavours in this pasta creation. The wine’s natural acidity cuts through the creamy sauce while enhancing the herbal notes of thyme and sage in the tomato layer.

Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Barolo

This elegant Italian red delivers complex aromas of dried fruits and roses that elevate the entire dining experience. Its structured character stands up to the savoury pork while its refined tannins create a beautiful counterpoint to the luscious creaminess of the crème fraîche in this gourmet lasagne interpretation.


What can you serve with Mary Berry express lasagne

  1. Garlic bread – The buttery, garlicky flavours complement the rich lasagne perfectly, and it’s ideal for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
  2. Mixed green salad – A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty, creamy textures of the lasagne.
  3. Roasted Mediterranean vegetables – Colourful peppers, courgettes and aubergines roasted with olive oil enhance the Italian theme and add nutritional balance to the meal.
  4. Steamed broccoli – Its slight bitterness and crisp texture offer a wonderful contrast to the rich, creamy elements of the lasagne.

Nutri-score Health Check

The Mary Berry express lasagne recipe receives a Nutri-score of C – Moderately healthy.

Positive Factors

  • Spinach contributes valuable vitamins, minerals, and fibre
  • Mushrooms provide nutrients and add bulk without excessive calories
  • Tomato-based sauce contains lycopene and other beneficial plant compounds
  • Fresh herbs (thyme and sage) add flavour without extra calories

Negative Factors

  • Pork sausage meat contains saturated fat and often added salt
  • Full-fat crème fraîche contributes significant saturated fat
  • Cheddar cheese adds additional saturated fat and sodium
  • Pasta provides refined carbohydrates

This score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide. The dish balances protein and vegetables with higher-fat dairy components, placing it in the middle of the nutritional spectrum.

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