Pizzagna is a delightful blend of two favorite dishes: pizza and lasagna. This fun fusion recipe combines layers of pasta, cheese, and classic pizza toppings to create a hearty meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it brings together the best of both worlds—lasagna’s comforting layers and pizza’s tasty toppings. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy. Finally, you can customize it by adding your favorite pizza toppings or using different kinds of cheese.
How to Make Pizzagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Layer with 1/3 of the ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, peppers, onions, and olives.
- Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with cheeses and topping them with Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
How to Serve Pizzagna
Serve your Pizzagna hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Cut it into squares to make serving easier, and enjoy!
How to Store Pizzagna
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again.
Tips to Make Pizzagna
- Cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings, such as different meats or vegetables.
- For extra flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Variation
You can create a vegetarian Pizzagna by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works great for this recipe! It saves time and still tastes delicious.
2. Can I prepare Pizzagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
3. What can I serve with Pizzagna?
Pizzagna goes well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Pizzagna
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 9 pieces lasagna noodles, cooked and drained Cook noodles al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef Can substitute with vegetarian options.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups pizza sauce Store-bought pizza sauce works fine.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 piece green bell pepper, diced
- ½ piece red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional) Can omit if not desired.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil or parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Layering
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Layer with 1/3 of the ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, peppers, onions, and olives.
- Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with cheeses and topping them with Parmesan.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Finishing
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
