Pizza Lasagna Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion

There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as a bubbling tray of lasagna fresh out of the oven or a hot slice of pepperoni pizza. Now imagine combining those two classic comfort foods into one dish. That’s exactly what Pizza Lasagna is all about—a hearty, cheesy, layered masterpiece that blends the flavors of traditional lasagna with the toppings and spirit of a pepperoni pizza.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, potlucks, or simply when you want to wow your guests with a fun and flavorful twist on two beloved classics. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, preparation tips, calorie information, and creative variations so you can make this recipe truly your own.

 Why You’ll Love This Pizza Lasagna

Best of Both Worlds – You get the cheesy, saucy layers of lasagna paired with the pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian flavors of pizza.

Family-Friendly – Both kids and adults will love it. It’s like pizza night and pasta night combined!

Customizable – Just like pizza, you can add your favorite toppings—sausage, mushrooms, peppers, or olives.

Perfect for Make-Ahead – This lasagna can be prepped in advance and baked when needed, making it perfect for busy families.

Crowd-Pleaser – Whether for a dinner party or a potluck, this dish always disappears fast.

 Ingredients for Pizza Lasagna

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious layered dish:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or use a mix of beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or pizza sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste (for richness, optional)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)

1 large egg

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Layers:

9–12 lasagna noodles (boiled according to package instructions, or oven-ready noodles)

Pepperoni slices (about 20–25 slices, or more if you like it extra pizza-like)

Extra mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef (and sausage, if using). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.

Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Stir in marinara/pizza sauce and tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce and enhances the flavor.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and parsley.

Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be layered between noodles and sauce.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and lay them on parchment paper or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking.

If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.

4. Assemble the Pizza Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.

Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.

Spoon more meat sauce over the cheese.

Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Add pepperoni slices evenly across the top, like a pizza.

5. Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Slice and serve hot with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

 Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 500 kcal

Protein: 30g

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fat: 28g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 950mg

(Values vary depending on cheese, sauce, and meat used.)

 Tips for the Best Pizza Lasagna

Use quality sauce – A rich, flavorful marinara or pizza sauce makes a huge difference. Homemade sauce is even better!

Don’t skip resting time – Letting the lasagna rest before cutting prevents it from falling apart.

Add toppings like a pizza – Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, sausage, or jalapeños can be layered on top for a true pizza feel.

Cheese matters – Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but pre-shredded works fine too. Add some provolone for extra flavor.

Make ahead – Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready.

Freezer-friendly – This lasagna freezes very well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding about 20–25 extra minutes.

 Variations of Pizza Lasagna

Meat Lovers’ Lasagna – Add layers of Italian sausage, bacon, or ground pork along with the beef.

Vegetarian Version – Replace meat sauce with marinara and layer in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers.

Supreme Pizza Lasagna – Add black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions along with pepperoni.

White Pizza Lasagna – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and use chicken, spinach, and mozzarella for a creamy twist.

Spicy Pepperoni Lasagna – Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot Italian sausage for heat.

 What to Serve with Pizza Lasagna

Since pizza lasagna is rich and hearty, it pairs beautifully with lighter side dishes:

Garlic Breadsticks or Garlic Knots

Fresh Green Salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Caprese Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil

Roasted Vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus)

Italian Antipasto Platter with olives, cured meats, and cheeses

 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave individual portions.

 Final Thoughts

This Pizza Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the hearty, layered richness of lasagna with the cheesy, pepperoni-topped goodness of pizza. It’s fun, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at your table.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, feeding a crowd, or just indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe delivers big flavor and a satisfying experience every single time.

So next time you can’t decide between pizza and lasagna—why not have both in one dish?Categories