Easy Pizzagna (Pizza Lasagna)

The Best of Both Worlds

Pizzagna—also known as Pizza Lasagna—is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It layers lasagna noodles, pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, savory meats, and classic pizza toppings into a baked dish that tastes like pizza but eats like lasagna. This recipe is easy, family-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

If you love pizza and lasagna, this dish delivers the best of both worlds in every bite.

 What Is Pizzagna?

Pizzagna combines:

• The structure of lasagna
• The flavors of pizza
• The ease of a casserole

Instead of ricotta and béchamel, this recipe uses pizza sauce, Italian cheeses, and pizza toppings, making it highly customizable and incredibly satisfying.

 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

 Pasta:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• Water + salt (for boiling)

 Sauce:

• 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

 Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 Pizza Toppings (Choose Your Favorites):

• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

 For Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions (Very Detailed)

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
• Cook lasagna noodles until al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package instructions)
• Drain and lay noodles flat on parchment or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking

 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In a bowl, mix:
  • Pizza sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta
  • Parmesan
  • 2 cups mozzarella
  • Egg
  • Dried oregano
• Mix until smooth and creamy

 Step 4: Preheat & Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish

Step 5: Assemble the Pizzagna (Layering)

Layer 1:

• Spread ½ cup sauce on the bottom of the dish
• Add a layer of lasagna noodles

Layer 2:

• Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture
• Add meats and vegetables
• Sprinkle pepperoni

Layer 3:

• Add sauce and mozzarella

Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with:

• Sauce
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

 Step 6: Bake

• Cover loosely with foil
• Bake for 30 minutes
• Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until:
  • Cheese is melted
  • Top is bubbly and lightly golden

 Step 7: Rest Before Serving

• Let pizzagna rest 10–15 minutes
• This helps layers set and makes slicing easier

 How to Serve

• Serve hot with:
  • Garlic bread
  • Green salad
  • Extra pizza sauce for dipping

 Tips & Variations

• Meat lovers: Add bacon or ham
• Vegetarian: Skip meat, add spinach and zucchini
• Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina
• Kid-friendly: Use only pepperoni and cheese

 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
• Freeze unbaked or baked pizzagna up to 2 months
• Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C)

 Why This Recipe Works

• Familiar flavors everyone loves
• Easy customization
• Feeds a crowd
• Perfect comfort food casserole