Ultimate Pizza Lasagna: A Delicious Fusion of Your Favorite Italian Comfort Foods
Cooking has always been more than just a task for me; it’s a profound passion deeply rooted in my personal journey and cherished family traditions. Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful twist on our classic Italian family dish: this incredible Pizza Lasagna. It’s a creative and fun update to my grandmother’s traditional lasagna recipe, bringing together two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible casserole.
From a very young age, the kitchen was the heart of our home, and my mom, its undisputed queen. I learned her traditional lasagna recipe almost through osmosis. I would stand by her side, a curious child, watching intently as she meticulously prepared each ingredient. The rich scent of simmering sauce, the careful browning of the meat, and the precise layering of pasta, cheese, and sauce into our vintage casserole dish were all part of a ritual. Then, the careful placement of the dish into the oven, where magic would happen, transforming simple components into a masterpiece far greater than the sum of its parts.
Over the years, I gradually took on more responsibility, graduating from observer to helper. First, I’d stir the sauce, then layer the noodles, until eventually, I was entrusted with preparing the entire dish on my own. The first time I successfully made our family’s signature lasagna from start to finish and served it to my hungry family, it felt like a significant rite of passage, connecting me to generations of cooks who poured love into their meals.
Introducing the Irresistible Pizza Lasagna
This unique Pizza Lasagna is a celebration of flavors, inspired by both my family’s time-honored lasagna recipe and my more recent culinary adventures. A trip to Chicago opened my eyes to the wonders of deep-dish pizza – a truly hearty and indulgent creation overflowing with savory ground meat, rich, flavorful sauce, and generous, melty fistfuls of cheese. It was then that the idea sparked: what if I could combine that incredible deep-dish pizza experience with the comforting, layered structure of a classic lasagna?
The result is a dish that delivers on all fronts. It has the satisfying heft and saucy goodness of lasagna, but with playful, pizza-inspired elements like pepperoni and bell peppers woven throughout. It’s a culinary mashup that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for shaking up your dinner routine while still providing that beloved comfort food experience.
The Secret to Our Sauce: Ragu Homestyle
For this exceptional recipe, I chose to use Ragu Homestyle Thick & Hearty Traditional Pasta Sauce. This particular sauce holds a special place in my heart because its vibrant, fresh ingredients, wonderfully thick texture, and delicious, robust flavor genuinely remind me of the homemade sauce my mom lovingly prepared for all our family pasta dishes. There’s something about the quality and taste that evokes that feeling of authentic, slow-cooked goodness.
To me, the word “homestyle” isn’t just about ingredients; it embodies the spirit of food made with love, intended to be enjoyed as a family. Ragu Homestyle truly captures that essence, providing a perfect base for our Pizza Lasagna without the extra time commitment of making sauce from scratch. Its richness complements the other bold flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with savory deliciousness.
This Pizza Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s simmered in tradition and seasoned with innovation. I sincerely hope that as you prepare and savor this dish, you’ll be able to create new, wonderful memories with your own loved ones, just as I have with mine.
How to Make the Best Pizza Lasagna: A Detailed Guide
Creating this flavorful Pizza Lasagna is a rewarding experience. While it involves a few steps, each one is straightforward and contributes to the incredible final product. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started on this family-pleasing meal!
First, gather your ingredients:
- 1-23oz jar Ragu Homestyle Thick & Hearty Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 recommended for less grease)
- 1 lb cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (for superior melt and flavor)
- 1 package oven-ready lasagna noodles (approximately 500g)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, whole milk for creaminess
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (mini pepperoni or chopped larger slices work well)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and black pepper to taste, garlic powder, onion powder
The Noodle Secret: Ensuring Perfectly Tender Lasagna Noodles
Many home cooks have expressed frustration with oven-ready lasagna noodles, finding them tough or crispy in spots. I’ve discovered a simple, yet game-changing trick: **soak them before layering them into the lasagna**. While the package directions might suggest they require no pre-cooking, a brief soak makes all the difference. This step ensures the noodles absorb moisture, becoming beautifully soft and pliable, which leads to a uniformly tender lasagna without any hard edges. You can simply place the noodles in a large bowl of warm water while you prepare other ingredients, or even add water directly to your casserole dish and drain it just before layering. This small extra step guarantees a luscious texture that truly elevates your lasagna.
Preparing Your Savory Meat Sauce
Begin by cooking your lean ground beef in a large frying pan over medium heat. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small, even crumbles. Cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 7 minutes. Once browned, add 1/2 cup of the Ragu Homestyle pasta sauce to the beef. This infuses the meat with flavor right from the start. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
NOTE: If you are using ground beef that has a higher fat content (e.g., fattier than 90/10), it’s crucial to cook the beef first until browned, then drain off any excess fat before incorporating the Ragu sauce. This prevents your lasagna from becoming greasy.
The Art of Layering: Building Your Pizza Lasagna
Before you begin assembling, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within easy reach. This will make the layering process smooth and efficient. Drain your soaked lasagna noodles completely and arrange a single, even layer across the bottom of your chosen casserole dish. This forms the foundational base for your delicious creation.
Next, take approximately 1/2 cup of creamy ricotta cheese and gently spread it over the noodle layer. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create an even coating. This layer adds moisture and a delicate, rich flavor.
Now for the “pizza” element! Arrange a generous scattering of pepperoni slices over the ricotta. You can layer them in neat rows for a classic look, or simply sprinkle them evenly to ensure every bite gets that savory, slightly spicy kick. This is where the pizza inspiration truly shines through!
Evenly spread your prepared ground beef mixture over the pepperoni and cheese layer. Ensure the meat is distributed across the entire surface. If you had to drain additional fat from your beef, do so before this step to maintain the perfect texture and prevent sogginess.
Top this hearty layer with half of the remaining Ragu Homestyle pasta sauce. Use your spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth the sauce, ensuring it covers the meat and contributes to the lasagna’s moistness.
Now, it’s time for more cheese! Spread 1 cup of ricotta cheese over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of freshly shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese combination adds both creaminess and that essential sharp, tangy flavor. Follow this with another layer of your softened lasagna noodles.
This next layer introduces our vibrant vegetables! Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese over the noodles, then generously cover it with the fresh spinach and finely diced red bell peppers. For an even more tender texture and to bring out their sweetness, I lightly sautéed my peppers before adding them to the lasagna. This step is optional but highly recommended. Remember, you can customize this layer with any of your favorite pizza toppings – sliced mushrooms, black olives, or even a sprinkle of oregano would be fantastic additions!
Sprinkle a final layer of shredded cheese over the vegetables, ensuring they are well covered. Then, top everything with your very last layer of pasta noodles, completing the structural foundation of your lasagna.
For the grand finale before baking, adorn the top with a truly generous handfuls of the remaining shredded cheese, a final flourish of pepperoni slices, and a colorful sprinkle of any leftover diced red peppers. This top layer will melt into a beautiful, golden-brown crust, making your pizza lasagna utterly irresistible.
Baking and Resting for Perfect Slices
Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the noodles and ensure everything cooks evenly without drying out. Bake the Pizza Lasagna in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. The foil keeps the cheese from browning too quickly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering.
Once removed from the oven, resist the urge to slice immediately! It is essential to let the lasagna rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut neat, perfect slices without them falling apart. It also ensures all the delicious juices are reabsorbed, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
For more inspiring and delicious recipe ideas that your family will adore, be sure to check out the extensive collection of Ragu Homestyle recipes. You might discover your next family favorite!
Tips for the Best Pizza Lasagna Experience
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: The quality and quantity of cheese truly make this dish. Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor. You can also add a layer of shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even cheesier, stringier experience.
- Customize Your Toppings: Think of this as a blank canvas! While pepperoni and bell peppers are classic, feel free to add other pizza favorites like sautéed mushrooms, sliced black olives, or even cooked sausage.
- Make Ahead Option: This lasagna is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen (this will significantly increase baking time – often up to 1.5-2 hours covered, then uncovered).
- Serve with Sides: Complement your hearty Pizza Lasagna with a simple green salad and some warm garlic bread to complete the ultimate Italian-American meal.
Pizza Lasagna
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 23 oz jar Ragu Homestyle
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb cheddar cheese shredded
- 500 g package oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cups spinach
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Place lasagna noodles in water to soak. Set aside.
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Meanwhile, cook ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat with 1/2 cup Ragu Homestyle pasta sauce. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
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Drain lasagna noodles and add a single layer to the bottom of your casserole dish.
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Spread 1/2 cup ricotta cheese on top of the noodles. Add several pieces of pepperoni – you can even layer it in rows.
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Spread beef in an even layer overtop of the cheese, and then top with half a jar of the Ragu Homestyle pasta sauce.
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Spread 1 cup ricotta cheese and a generous layer of shredded cheddar. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles.
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Next is the vegetable layer. Spread 1/2 cup ricotta cheese and then cover with spinach and chopped peppers. I lightly sauteed my peppers before adding them to the lasagna.
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Sprinkle cheese overtop of the vegetables and top with a final layer of pasta noodles.
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Top with final handfuls of cheese, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of the red peppers.
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Cover with tinfoil and bake at 375F for 45 minutes.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Do you have a favorite family meal that could use a modern, exciting update? Perhaps a dish that holds cherished memories but could benefit from a fresh twist? Share your ideas in the comments below!