Giant Lasagna Recipe for a Crowd (Fish Pan Lasagna)

When you need to feed an army – or at least a big hungry family – a regular 9×13 lasagna pan just won’t cut it. That’s when you break out the fish pan and go big. This recipe is the definition of over-the-top comfort food: a massive, 30-pound lasagna layered with meats, cheeses, sauce, and noodles until it’s practically bursting. Baked in a fish pan that barely fits inside a full-size oven, this is the kind of meal that gets everyone talking (and coming back for seconds!).

The first time I made this lasagna, I couldn’t resist weighing it on the bathroom scale. The result? Thirty pounds of cheesy, saucy perfection. This is not just dinner – it’s an event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Feeds a crowd – reunions, potlucks, church suppers, game day, you name it.
Rich and hearty – packed with beef, turkey, and sausage for depth of flavor.
Cheesy goodness – two pounds of mozzarella and layers of provolone.
Rustic and fun – the fish pan makes it legendary.
Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lbs hamburger
2 lbs ground turkey
2 lbs sweet Italian sausage
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 bunches green onions (scallions), sliced
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 cans Hunt’s fire roasted tomatoes
2 jars mushrooms
1 can tomato paste
2+ lbs mozzarella cheese
16 slices provolone cheese
Oven-ready lasagna noodles
Cottage cheese – as much as needed for layering.

💡 Tip: This recipe fills a fish pan (roughly 7 quarts). If using a smaller pan, reduce amounts or expect extra layers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the meat sauce. In a Dutch oven or large skillet, cook hamburger, turkey, and sausage with bell peppers and green onions. Drain excess grease. Stir in spaghetti sauce, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, and tomato paste. Simmer until thick and flavorful.

Assemble layers. In the fish pan, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by cottage cheese, mozzarella, and provolone. Repeat layers until the pan is full.
Top with cheese. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and provolone on top.

Bake. Cook according to oven-ready noodle directions, usually about 45–60 minutes at 350°F. Cover with foil for the first half, then uncover to let the cheese brown.
Cool and serve. Let rest at least 15 minutes before cutting – this helps it set.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Greasy sauce? Drain meats well before adding tomatoes and sauce.
Cheese lovers: Add Parmesan between layers for extra richness.
Need to transport? Cover tightly with foil and bake on-site.
Want a lighter version? Use more turkey and less sausage.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Veggie Lasagna: Replace some meat with zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
White Lasagna: Swap spaghetti sauce for Alfredo sauce and use chicken.
Freezer Friendly: Assemble half the recipe in smaller pans and freeze unbaked.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Slice into portions, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual portions.
Make-Ahead: Assemble a day ahead and bake when ready.

FAQs

What size pan do I need?
A fish pan (around 7 quarts). A full-size oven barely holds it!

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta works beautifully if you prefer a creamier texture.

How do I cut a 30-pound lasagna?
Let it rest first, then use a sharp serrated knife and a sturdy spatula.

Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely – just scale down for a 9×13 pan

Conclusion

This giant lasagna recipe for a crowd isn’t just food – it’s a story. From layering it up in a fish pan to weighing it on the bathroom scale, it’s the kind of meal people will remember long after the last cheesy bite. Perfect for family reunions, potlucks, or anytime you want to wow a crowd, this lasagna is legendary.

Would your family tackle a 30-pound lasagna? 🍝 Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this recipe or 📌 save it to Pinterest for later!