Description

This Pizza Lasagna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the cheesy goodness of pizza with the layers of classic lasagna. Packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, ricotta, mozzarella, and a homemade tomato sauce, this hearty casserole is a guaranteed family favorite. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy Italian-inspired dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

1 lb Italian sausage, cooked
1 cup pepperoni

Produce:

1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano

Condiments:

3 cups tomato sauce
1 (28 oz) can tomatoes, crushed

Pasta & Grains:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

Baking & Spices:

1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

Oils & Vinegars:

2 tbsp olive oil

Dairy:

16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 oz ricotta cheese

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Instructions

1. Make the Tomato Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in Italian sausage and cook until browned.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Add a layer of pepperoni and more sauce.
Repeat two more layers, ending with sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and extra pepperoni on top.

4. Bake the Lasagna:

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

5. Let Rest & Serve:

Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm!

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle with bread crumbs or crushed garlic croutons before baking.
Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave until warmed through.