If you love the comforting layers of lasagna but crave the bold, zesty flavors of pizza, then this Pizzagna Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brilliantly merges the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna with all your favorite pizza toppings, creating a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like a celebration in every bite. From the melty mozzarella to the savory sausage and pepperoni, this recipe takes your taste buds on a delicious Italian-American adventure, perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Pizzagna Recipe a delicious reality. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender noodles to the flavorful sausage and bright veggies, all topped with a blend of cheeses that melt into gooey perfection.
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: Essential for that classic layered texture that holds everything together.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty protein to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that balances the meat and sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that livens up the sauce.
- 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce: The saucy backbone with rich tomato goodness.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds spice and texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a fresh pop of color.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Brings a savory tang that complements the other toppings.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, melty, and irresistibly cheesy.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, perfect for layering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and meat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To enhance all the natural flavors.
- Chopped basil or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a burst of color when served.
How to Make Pizzagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius) to get it nice and hot for baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the pizzagna won’t stick and will bake evenly. This foundational step sets you up for success in the kitchen.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the ground Italian sausage. Cook the sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking, and then drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Pour in 2 ½ cups of marinara sauce and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow those flavors to marry beautifully. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Layer Your Pizzagna
Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Lay down three cooked lasagna noodles to form the base layer. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese evenly on top, then spread half of the meat sauce, followed by a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat the layering with noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and cheeses. Finish with the last three noodles, spread the remaining sauce over them, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Toppings
Scatter the sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell peppers, and black olives on top, just like you would on a traditional pizza. This step personalizes your pizzagna with all those vibrant flavors and textures that make it exciting to eat.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Once out of the oven, let your pizzagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set beautifully for clean slices.
How to Serve Pizzagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant burst of herbaceous freshness and a pop of color that makes your pizzagna look as good as it tastes. A drizzle of olive oil right before serving also gives a lovely sheen and enhances flavor.
Side Dishes
Because pizzagna is rich and packed with flavor, lighter sides like a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans work beautifully. Garlic bread makes for an indulgent pairing if you want to double down on Italian comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve pizzagna in individual ramekins for personalized portions that make dinner feel special. You can also assemble it in a casserole dish ahead of time and bake it just before your guests arrive, turning your kitchen into a cozy Italian trattoria with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pizzagna, wrap any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s even better after the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
This pizzagna recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled dish securely with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) oven covered with foil for 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but baking helps maintain that crisp top layer we all love.
FAQs
Can I use regular ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works great and will give a milder flavor; just consider adding extra Italian seasoning to keep those signature tastes.
Do I have to cook the noodles before assembling?
Yes, cooking the noodles ahead ensures they soften perfectly during baking and don’t stay chewy. However, you can use no-boil noodles; just adjust the sauce quantities and baking time.
Can I customize the toppings in the Pizzagna Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, onions, extra cheeses, or even pineapple for a fun twist. This recipe is all about capturing your favorite pizza toppings in lasagna form.
Is this Pizzagna Recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or saving for busy nights when you want comfort food with minimal effort.
How long should I let the pizzagna rest after baking?
Resting for about 10 minutes allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve neat slices without everything sliding apart.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Pizzagna Recipe that brings the best of two beloved dishes together in a way that’s comforting, fun, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re inviting friends over or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a cherished classic in your dinner rotation. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this cheesy, saucy, topped-with-all-your-favorite-things masterpiece—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pizzagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Pizzagna is a delightful fusion of pizza and lasagna, combining layers of lasagna noodles with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, and a rich meat sauce. This comforting Italian-American dish is baked to bubbly perfection, offering the best of both worlds in a hearty casserole.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Assembly
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce (divided)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Cook Meat: Add ground Italian sausage or beef to the skillet. Brown the meat thoroughly while breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and 2 1/2 cups of marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat afterward.
- Layer the Pizzagna: Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles to form the first layer. Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles, followed by half of the meat sauce, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of 3 lasagna noodles. Repeat with the remaining ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Final Layer: Place the last 3 noodles on top. Cover with the remaining marinara sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Arrange the sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, and black olives evenly over the top to mimic classic pizza toppings.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the pizzagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to set. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Customize your pizzagna toppings like you would with pizza, adding ingredients such as mushrooms, sausage crumbles, or even pineapple for a twist.
- You can substitute no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience; just adjust the baking time according to the package directions.
- For a less spicy version, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a leaner dish, use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage or beef.
