Pizza Lasagna Comfort Food Mashup (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Meat Sauce Components
01 -
Ground beef
02 -
Onion
03 -
Garlic
04 -
Marinara or pizza sauce
05 -
Tomato paste
06 -
Dried oregano
07 -
Dried basil
08 -
Granulated sugar
09 -
Salt
10 -
Black pepper
→ Cheese Filling
11 -
Ricotta cheese
12 -
Large egg
13 -
Parmesan cheese
14 -
Mozzarella cheese
15 -
Fresh parsley
→ Pasta and Toppings
16 -
Lasagna noodles
17 -
Pepperoni slices
18 -
Fresh basil
19 -
Fresh parsley
# Instructions:
01 -
Set oven temperature to 190°C.
02 -
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in marinara or pizza sauce, tomato paste (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
03 -
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until the consistency is smooth.
04 -
If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package directions. This step can be skipped if using oven-ready noodles.
05 -
Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Follow with a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, then another layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is topped with noodles, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
06 -
Evenly distribute pepperoni slices over the top layer of cheese.
07 -
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
08 -
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
09 -
Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking before slicing to ensure it sets properly.
10 -
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before slicing and serving hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For a richer flavor, use a high-quality marinara or pizza sauce.
02 -
Do not skip the resting time after baking to prevent the lasagna from falling apart when sliced.
03 -
Customize your lasagna by adding toppings like sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, bell peppers, or additional sausage for a more pronounced pizza experience.
04 -
While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, fresh mozzarella melts beautifully. Consider adding provolone cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
05 -
This dish can be assembled a day in advance and baked when ready to serve.
06 -
The prepared lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an additional 20-25 minutes to the baking time.
07 -
For a 'Meat Lovers’ Lasagna', incorporate Italian sausage, bacon, or ground pork alongside the ground beef.
08 -
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the meat sauce with a rich marinara and add ingredients like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and various peppers.
09 -
Achieve a 'Supreme Pizza Lasagna' by including black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions along with pepperoni.
10 -
For a 'White Pizza Lasagna', replace the marinara with Alfredo sauce and use ingredients such as cooked chicken, spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
11 -
Elevate the spice level for a 'Spicy Pepperoni Lasagna' by adding red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or using hot Italian sausage.