Torn between ordering a pizza and craving a comforting lasagna? Why not have both? Our Pizza Lasagna recipe brings together the absolute best of these two Italian-American superstars into one irresistible, layered dish that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Imagine tender pasta, rich meat sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni all baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious – perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
This isn't just a meal; it's an experience! Get ready to delight your taste buds with every cheesy, flavorful bite.
Why You'll Fall in Love with This Pizza Lasagna
Unbeatable Flavor Combination
This recipe truly is a culinary marvel, combining the robust, zesty notes of your favorite pizza with the comforting, creamy layers of a classic lasagna. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
A True Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you're hosting a game day, planning a potluck, or just need a reliable family dinner, this Pizza Lasagna fits the bill. It's incredibly satisfying and universally loved, making it an ideal choice for any gathering. For another comforting main course that's sure to please, consider our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Easy Customization for Everyone
Just like ordering a pizza, you can tailor this lasagna to your family's preferences. Add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, or boost the protein with different types of sausage. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile dish that never gets old. If you enjoy customizing your pasta dishes, you might also love making The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes) at home!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pizza Lasagna
This recipe calls for a blend of familiar ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You'll need ground meat for a savory base, classic lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, plenty of mozzarella, and, of course, pepperoni for that iconic pizza flavor. High-quality pizza sauce ties it all together. Did you know the modern pizza we enjoy today has a fascinating history? Learn more about its origins on Wikipedia's page about Pizza.
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How to Make Pizza Lasagna (Quick Overview)
The process involves browning your meat and simmering a rich sauce, cooking your lasagna noodles, and preparing a simple ricotta cheese mixture. Then comes the fun part: layering everything in a baking dish before baking until bubbly and golden. It’s a straightforward process that yields incredibly impressive results!
Serving Suggestions
Pizza Lasagna is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad dressed with a vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a simple green side, consider steamed broccoli or a fresh arugula salad.
FAQs
Can I customize the toppings for Pizza Lasagna?
Absolutely! Just like a regular pizza, this lasagna is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings such as cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Ensure any vegetable toppings are pre-cooked to prevent excess moisture in the lasagna.
What kind of lasagna noodles are best for this recipe?
Traditional lasagna noodles, boiled al dente (slightly firm) before layering, will give you the best texture. If you're short on time, oven-ready noodles can also be used, but make sure your sauce has enough moisture for them to cook through properly during baking.
Can I prepare Pizza Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for making ahead! You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
How should I store and reheat leftover Pizza Lasagna?
Leftover Pizza Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat individual servings, use the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) until bubbly and hot in the center.
Pizza Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting fusion dish that combines the savory flavors of pepperoni pizza with the classic layers of cheesy lasagna, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
12-15 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
8 ounces sliced pepperoni
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef/sausage and onion; cook until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: While the sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and lay flat on parchment paper or foil.
Step 4: Prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
Step 6: Layer the lasagna. Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and a layer of pepperoni slices.
Step 7: Repeat the layering: noodles, remaining ricotta, 1/3 meat sauce, 1/3 mozzarella, and pepperoni. Add a final layer of noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and more pepperoni.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If desired, broil for the last few minutes for extra browning, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 9: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce when simmering. You can also mix in some finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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