Pizza Lasagna Casserole
A fun, family-friendly mashup of two Italian-American favorites. Layers of lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked into a comforting casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 65 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meat Sauce
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- d.Carefully drain off the excess grease from the pot.
- e.Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- f.Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Ricotta Filling
- b.While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, the grated Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and the chopped fresh parsley.
- c.Season with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Casserole
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1.5 cups) on the bottom of the prepared dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
- d.Arrange a single layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. You may need to break them to fit the dish.
- e.Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with about 2 cups of meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- f.Repeat the layers: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another 2 cups of meat sauce, and another 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- g.Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Perfection
- b.Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. To prevent cheese from sticking, you can lightly spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray.
- c.Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- d.Carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the layers to set, ensuring cleaner slices.
- c.Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Letting the casserole rest is critical! If you cut into it too soon, the layers will slide apart. Patience is key for a perfect slice.
- 2For a less greasy result, pat the pepperoni slices with a paper towel before layering them on top of the casserole.
- 3Use freshly grated Parmesan and shred your own mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- 4This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it completely (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Delight
Omit the ground beef and sausage. Instead, use a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers, or substitute with plant-based ground 'meat'.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Supreme Pizza VersionSupreme Pizza Version
Incorporate classic 'supreme' pizza toppings by adding a layer of sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives along with the meat sauce.
White Pizza LasagnaWhite Pizza Lasagna
For a different flavor profile, replace the marinara sauce with a creamy Alfredo or béchamel sauce. This pairs well with chicken instead of beef and sausage.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and three types of cheese, this casserole is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese make this dish a great source of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Contains Lycopene
The tomato-based marinara sauce is a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Pizza Lasagna Casserole contains approximately 750-850 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, such as the fat content of the meat and cheeses.