Lasagna provides an excellent base for combining different flavors. Medium-heat or hot chili sauces, such as chipotle or Sriracha, can add a kick to a traditional lasagna recipe without overpowering the other flavors. At the same time, they cut through the richness of the cheese and sauces, helping to balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Lasagna’s versatility makes it a flexible dish: you can stick with a traditional meat-based filling, prepare a vegetarian version, or experiment with alternative proteins such as poultry. In addition, this hearty and satisfying meal can be made well in advance and reheated just before serving, reducing stress both on busy weekdays and during special occasions.
In this article, we’ll show you how to easily make a delicious, perfectly spicy lasagna — and at the end, we’ll recommend chili sauces that take the dish to the next level.
Recipe: Delicious Lasagna With a Spicy Twist
Ingredients:
For assembling the lasagna:
- 12 lasagna sheets (fresh or dried)
- 1 dl grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ dl grated Parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 450 g ground meat (beef, turkey, or plant-based protein)
- 1 can (425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (170 g) tomato paste
- 1–2 tbsp chili sauce (e.g. Sriracha, chipotle, or sweet chili)
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce:
- 50 g butter or margarine
- 1 dl all-purpose flour
- 1 liter milk (whole milk gives a richer result)
- ½ tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 dl grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce and the cheese sauce
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Brown the ground meat: Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned all over, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauces and seasonings: Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, hot chili sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the meat sauce: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer, covered, for about 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste; adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour, and whisk to combine. Pour in 5 dl of milk, whisk until smooth, and heat gently. Add the remaining milk and cook for 2–3 minutes. Finish by adding the salt, pepper, and grated cheese.
Step 2: Assemble the lasagna
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add the lasagna sheets: Place a layer of pre-cooked lasagna sheets on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Spread the cheese sauce: Spoon a layer of cheese sauce over the pasta.
- Repeat the layers: Repeat the same layering order (meat sauce, pasta, cheese sauce) as many times as the dish allows. Finish with a layer of sauce and a generous amount of grated mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 3: Bake the lasagna
- Bake the lasagna: Place the lasagna in the oven and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes.
- Place foil: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbling on top.
- Let it restRemove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice clean portions — use a sharp knife.
Serve warm with a green salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. If you like, sprinkle with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to add freshness and color to the dish.
What Kind of Chili Sauce Works Best in Lasagna?
Choosing the right type of chili sauce is key to giving lasagna a complementary kick — without letting the heat overpower the other rich, delicious ingredients.
Smoky Chili Sauces
Smoky sauces, such as chipotle and smoked jalapeño, add depth and umami to lasagna. These sauces work especially well in meat-based lasagnas. The smoky flavor enhances hearty fillings and adds a rich, savory complexity. Chipotle sauce is also excellent for seasoning tomato sauce, bringing a warm, smoky heat to it.
Crazy Bastard Chipotle & Pineapple Hot Sauce 100ml
Mild Chili Sauces
Milder chili sauces, such as sweet chili and fresh jalapeño sauces, add flavor without making the dish overly hot. Sweet chili sauce is light and slightly sweet, with just enough heat to balance the richness of the cheese. It works especially well in vegetable and chicken lasagnas, where freshness and gentle warmth pair nicely with the other ingredients.
Cholula Chili Lime Hot Sauce 150 ml
Firelli Italian Hot Sauce 148 ml — or, despite the name, the medium-heat Firelli Italian Extra Hot Sauce 148 ml
Tomato-Based Chili Sauces
Tomato-based chili sauces that combine heat with the natural acidity of tomatoes add classic flavor and warmth to lasagna. These sauces work especially well in traditional meat and tomato-based lasagnas. The combination of tomato sauces and chili heat creates a balanced result, where the spice doesn’t become overpowering but adds the depth the dish needs.
Soosify Chili & Garlic Hot Sauce 250ml
Sriracha and Fermented Chili Sauces
Fresh and fermented sauces can add a refreshing contrast and balance to lasagna. These sauces can enhance the overall flavor of the dish, offering a slightly lighter heat that complements the richness and creaminess of the cheeses.
Bulliard’s Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce 435ml
Hot Ones The Classic Garlic Fresno 148ml
Hot Chili Sauces
Hot chili sauces bring serious kick to lasagna. These sauces should be used sparingly, as their intense spiciness can easily overpower other flavors. A hot sauce can be the perfect addition if you’re after bold intensity and warmth, but it’s important to adjust the amount to your own tolerance. They work especially well in rich, meaty, and cheesy lasagnas, where the heat pairs beautifully with the dish’s depth.
Torchbearer Zombie Apocalypse Hot Sauce 142g
🌶️ Find the perfect sauce for you — check out Soosikauppa’s chili sauce selection!
