Welcome to the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s about to change your weeknight dinner game forever! Pizzagna combines everything you love about cheesy lasagna with the bold, savory flavors of pizza into one incredible, crowd-pleasing dish.
This genius creation layers all your favorite pizza toppings between pasta sheets, creating a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s like having two Italian classics in every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect for picky eaters who can’t decide between pizza or pasta
- Make-ahead friendly – assemble in the morning, bake in the evening
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Freezes beautifully for future meals
- Less messy to eat than traditional pizza
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 32 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until beef is completely browned and vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Lower heat to medium and stir in oregano, marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Stir until smooth and well blended. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on bottom. Layer with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and more meat sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is golden. Let rest 10-15 minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and double up on veggies like bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a kick
- No-boil lasagna noodles work great for saving time
- Try using different cheeses like provolone or fontina for unique flavor profiles
- Add a thin layer of pesto between layers for an herbaceous twist
- Make mini pizzagnas in a muffin tin for perfect portion control
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pizzagna with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A basket of garlic bread or breadsticks makes the perfect accompaniment for sopping up any extra sauce.
For a complete Italian feast, pair with a light antipasto platter featuring marinated vegetables, olives, and thin slices of prosciutto.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months; reheat from frozen at 350°F for 30-40 minutes
- The pizzagna is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and cheese is golden and bubbly
FAQs
Can I prepare this the day before?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Microwave works too, but the texture won’t be as good.
Can I use jarred alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce?
Yes! A white pizzagna variation using alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce creates a delicious “white pizza” inspired dish.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure your pizza sauce is gluten-free.
[recipe_card]
