Description

This Pizza Lasagna recipe combines the rich flavors of classic pizza with the comforting layers of traditional lasagna. Featuring layers of lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, pepperoni, ricotta, mozzarella, and a robust homemade tomato sauce, this hearty dish bakes to golden perfection. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a delicious twist on two beloved favorites in one satisfying casserole.

Ingredients

Lasagna Layers

9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
1 cup pepperoni (sliced)
16 ounces ricotta cheese
16 ounces mozzarella cheese (sliced)
1 lb Italian sausage (cooked)
3/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce

28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
1/2 cup onions (chopped)
4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
1/2 tsp red crushed pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the Italian sausage thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to a bowl; set aside.
Cook Lasagna Noodles: In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 7 minutes or until al dente. Drain the noodles and cut them to fit the size of your baking pan.
Make Tomato Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red crushed pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble Lasagna Layers: In a 9x13x3 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the bottom. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles. Layer slices of mozzarella cheese, leaving about 1 inch space between slices. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, one-third of the pepperoni slices, and one-third of the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly across. Spoon another cup of tomato sauce on top. Add another layer of noodles and repeat the layering of ricotta, mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, Parmesan, and tomato sauce.
Top and Bake: For the final layer, cover with lasagna noodles, then top with remaining mozzarella slices, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the top for added flavor. Cover loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
Cool and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes to set. Cut into 9 servings and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious pizza-inspired lasagna!

Notes

For a spicier version, increase the amount of red crushed pepper or add jalapeños.
Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if necessary.
To save time, use pre-cooked or store-bought tomato sauce with added Italian herbs.
Ensure the lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it to firm up and makes slicing easier.