Pizza Lasagna Casserole

Mix up your Italian dinner routine with this Pizza Lasagna Casserole! This dish combines all the best elements of pizza and lasagna—layers of pepperoni, pasta, mozzarella, and a rich homemade tomato sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavors that will make your family and friends come back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best of Both Worlds – Combines the flavors of pizza and lasagna in one dish.
• Cheesy & Comforting – Loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will love.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meat

• 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked
• 1 cup pepperoni slices

Produce

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Condiments

• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 28 oz canned tomatoes

Pasta & Grains

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked

Baking & Spices

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Oils & Vinegars

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dairy

• 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 16 oz ricotta cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Sauce – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Meat & Tomatoes – Stir in the cooked Italian sausage, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Pasta – Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Casserole –
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
   • Spread ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by some mozzarella and parmesan.
   • Add another layer of sauce and sprinkle some pepperoni.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni on top.
6. Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve & Enjoy – Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
• Vegetarian Option – Replace the sausage with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Extra Cheesy – Mix some provolone or cheddar into the cheese layers.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Meat Lovers – Add cooked ground beef or bacon for extra heartiness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, but you may need to add extra sauce to ensure the noodles soften properly.

What’s the best way to cut lasagna neatly?

Let it sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set before slicing.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes! A good-quality jarred marinara can save time while keeping the dish flavorful.

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain the canned tomatoes well and simmer the sauce long enough to thicken.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach work great in this casserole.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

Use lean turkey sausage, part-skim ricotta, and whole wheat noodles for a lighter version.

Can I make individual servings instead?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in ramekins for single-serving portions.

How can I make this even cheesier?

Add an extra layer of mozzarella between the noodle layers.

What’s the difference between pizza lasagna and traditional lasagna?

Pizza lasagna incorporates pepperoni and pizza flavors, while traditional lasagna focuses more on classic Italian-style layers.

Conclusion

This Pizza Lasagna Casserole brings together the best of both worlds—cheesy, saucy, and packed with bold Italian flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a dish for a party, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today for a comforting, flavor-packed meal everyone will love!

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