Description

This Pizza Lasagna combines the best of both worlds: the hearty, comforting layers of traditional lasagna with the bold, tangy flavors of a classic pizza. Featuring Italian sausage, pepperoni, a medley of veggies, and three types of cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The lasagna noodles are softened ahead for perfect texture, then layered with a rich ricotta mixture, pizza sauce, and an irresistible topping blend before baking to bubbly, golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna and Cheese

1 lb lasagna noodles
2 (15 oz each) containers ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb Italian sausage
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/2 lb sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced black olives

Other

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups pizza sauce or marinara

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a deep 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. This will prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Soften Lasagna Noodles: Place the lasagna noodles in a large pan or dish and pour very hot or boiling water over them until fully submerged. Let them soak for 30 minutes to soften, then drain well.
Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook thoroughly until no longer pink, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, then set aside.
Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.
Assemble the Lasagna Layer 1: Spread about 1 cup of pizza sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle one-quarter of the mozzarella cheese, then layer one-third of the pepperoni, sausage, olives, and sautéed vegetables. Top with another cup of pizza sauce and sprinkle with one-quarter cup of Parmesan cheese.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, creating three total layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, cheese, meats, vegetables, sauce, and Parmesan.
Final Layer and Toppings: For the last layer, place noodles on top, then cover with pizza sauce, remaining mozzarella, Italian sausage, bell pepper, onion, pepperoni, olives, and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until bubbly and the noodles are al dente.
Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Soaking the lasagna noodles in hot water helps avoid boiling and prevents overcooking in the oven.
You can swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred.
For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Pizza Lasagna, Italian Sausage Lasagna, Pizza inspired casserole, layered pasta bake, Italian comfort food