Pizza Lasagna Comfort Food

This pizza lasagna is the ultimate answer for those nights when my family can't decide between two classic comfort foods. It layers the rich, saucy goodness of lasagna with the fun, customizable toppings of a pepperoni pizza, creating a showstopping casserole that everyone will love.

I first made this for a big family get together, and it disappeared from the pan in minutes. Now it’s my go to for any event where I need a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: an 80/20 blend provides great flavor without being overly greasy
• One small onion: finely chopped to melt into the sauce and build a sweet aromatic base
• Three cloves garlic: minced fresh garlic is a must for a robust Italian flavor
• One 24 ounce jar marinara or pizza sauce: choose a high quality sauce as it is the backbone of the dish
• Two tablespoons tomato paste: this is optional but it adds an incredible depth and richness to the sauce
• One teaspoon dried oregano and one teaspoon dried basil: these herbs are essential for that classic pizza flavor profile
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, most luxurious texture
• One large egg: this acts as a binder, helping the ricotta layer set up beautifully as it bakes
• One half cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty, salty bite to the cheese filling
• Two cups shredded mozzarella cheese plus a little extra for the top: for that perfect cheesy pull
• Nine to twelve lasagna noodles: oven ready noodles are a fantastic time saver, but classic boiled ones work perfectly too
• About 25 slices of pepperoni: the star of the show that crisps up perfectly on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Hearty Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until it is nicely browned with no pink remaining. I use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Carefully drain off any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into something truly delicious.

Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

While the sauce is simmering, you can prepare the cheese layer. In a medium sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the large egg, the grated Parmesan cheese, one cup of the shredded mozzarella, and the fresh parsley. Mix everything together with a spatula until it is smooth and evenly combined. This creamy layer is what gives the lasagna its classic, rich texture.

Assemble the Layers:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a thin layer of your meat sauce across the bottom of the dish; this prevents the noodles from sticking. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, carefully spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Follow that with about one third of the remaining meat sauce, and then sprinkle with a portion of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and more mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the top layer of mozzarella. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Let the pizza lasagna rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial, as it allows the layers to set and prevents the slices from falling apart.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching the pepperoni slices curl and crisp up in the oven during the last few minutes of baking. It reminds me of waiting for a fresh pizza to come out of the oven, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is absolutely irresistible.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover pizza lasagna stores wonderfully. Once it has cooled completely, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to four days. To reheat individual slices, the microwave works in a pinch, but for the best results, I recommend placing slices in an oven safe dish, covering with foil, and warming them in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe. You can easily substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef, or use a combination of both for extra flavor. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. If you're not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for a slightly different texture.

How to Serve Your Pizza Lasagna

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm garlic bread is also a classic and highly recommended addition for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. It's a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of meat in the sauce?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, ground pork, or even bacon would be delicious additions to the meat sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ What kind of cheese works best for the ricotta mixture?

While ricotta is traditional, you can also use cottage cheese for a similar texture and flavor. For the mozzarella, fresh melts beautifully, but pre-shredded is also convenient.

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assembling the lasagna a day in advance is a great time-saver. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What are some good vegetarian options for this lasagna?

Replace the meat sauce with marinara and load it up with spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You could also add a layer of pesto for extra flavor.

→ How do I prevent the lasagna from falling apart when slicing?

The key is to let it rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

→ Can I freeze leftover pizza lasagna?

Yes! Let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20-25 minutes to the baking time.