Pizza Lasagna Recipe The Ultimate Pizzagna Bake

Pizza Lasagna (Pizzagna) – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Pizza Lasagna, also playfully called Pizzagna, is a mouthwatering fusion of two of the most beloved Italian-American classics: pizza and lasagna. By combining the layered, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the bold, zesty flavors of a supreme pizza, this hybrid dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience that feels familiar yet excitingly new.

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between ordering pizza or cooking lasagna for dinner, pizzagna ends the debate. It layers al dente lasagna noodles with hearty meat sauce, savory pepperoni, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious blend of cheeses—all baked into a bubbling, golden casserole. The result is a dish that satisfies both cravings with every bite.

Unlike traditional lasagna, this pizza-inspired bake invites bold customization. Popular toppings like sausage, green peppers, red onions, and black olives shine in this format. For those who enjoy exploring creative twists on familiar favorites, recipes like supreme pizza topping ideas on Pinterest offer a wealth of inspiration to personalize your pizzagna.

While pizza lasagna has become increasingly popular in home kitchens, it’s also gaining attention across food blogs and recipe communities. For context, dishes like lasagna and pizza have long been staples of comfort cooking, but their combination—layered and baked like a casserole—elevates the indulgence.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this hearty bake offers convenience and versatility. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can easily become a signature dish in your kitchen.

Origins and Evolution of Pizza Lasagna (Pizzagna)

The story of pizza lasagna, or pizzagna, is rooted in the broader American tradition of food fusion—where classic dishes are reimagined in bold, satisfying ways. This particular hybrid likely emerged from the kitchens of creative home cooks and casserole lovers looking to combine their two favorite comfort foods: pizza and lasagna.

Lasagna itself has a rich history dating back to ancient Italy, but its modern form—layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce—was popularized in Southern Italy and brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants. Over time, American cuisine evolved this dish to include variations like the lasagna casserole, a one-dish meal that emphasized convenience without compromising flavor. You’ll find countless creative takes on this theme in collections like lasagna casserole variations.

Meanwhile, pizza became a cultural phenomenon in the U.S., particularly after World War II, evolving into styles like New York thin crust and Chicago deep dish. Toppings expanded beyond the traditional, creating what we now know as the supreme pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms. These ingredients naturally lend themselves to being layered, which sparked the idea of merging them with lasagna.

Pizzagna as a term began appearing in online communities and food blogs in the late 2010s, quickly gaining traction among home cooks. It became especially popular thanks to platforms like Pinterest, where users shared photos and recipes of their pizza lasagna bakes, often calling it “the best of both worlds.” Searches for one-pan dinner casseroles and family-friendly pasta bakes surged, with pizzagna fitting both categories perfectly.

The beauty of pizzagna lies in its adaptability. It can be made ahead, frozen, customized with countless toppings, and easily portioned for family meals or gatherings. In essence, it’s a culinary mash-up that celebrates the flavors people love most—making it a modern classic in its own right.

Ingredients Overview for the Ultimate Supreme Pizza Lasagna

Crafting the ultimate supreme pizza lasagna starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays in building flavor, texture, and that signature pizza-meets-lasagna taste. Each layer is an opportunity to blend savory meats, rich cheeses, and bold toppings, creating a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Lasagna Noodles:
The backbone of this dish is, of course, the pasta. Use 9 traditional lasagna noodles, cooked to al dente. Oven-ready noodles are also an option for those seeking a shortcut, but be sure to adjust the sauce quantity to ensure proper hydration during baking. For gluten-free options, consider brown rice or lentil-based noodles.

Meat Base – Ground Beef and Sausage:
Start with 1 lb of ground beef, browned and seasoned for depth. Many variations also include Italian sausage for that familiar pizza-shop flavor. This meat blend is crucial to replicating the meat-lovers pizza profile. Drain excess fat for a clean, balanced texture.

Sauce – Pizza or Marinara:
A 24 oz jar of pizza sauce or marinara acts as the cohesive layer binding everything together. Pizza sauce delivers a spiced, slightly sweeter profile, while marinara leans more classic and herby. If you’re feeling adventurous, browse pizza sauce ideas to experiment with garlic parmesan or spicy arrabbiata versions. According to the Wikipedia entry on Italian seasoning, incorporating a teaspoon of this blend enhances the depth of any red sauce.

Pepperoni & Optional Meats:
A generous 1 cup of sliced pepperoni is layered throughout for a salty, crispy bite that mimics a classic pizza. For a true supreme experience, add crumbled sausage or even bacon. These meats should be fully cooked and slightly crisped to avoid a greasy bake.

Cheese Trio – Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella form the main cheesy layer—mild, melty, and perfect for pizza fusion. Learn more about this essential ingredient on Wikipedia’s mozzarella cheese page.

• 1 cup ricotta cheese adds a creamy element, balancing the acidity of the sauce.

• ½ cup grated Parmesan offers sharpness and browns beautifully on top.

Vegetable Toppings – Peppers and Onions:
For that supreme edge, add 1 diced green bell pepper and 1 small red onion, both sautéed lightly in olive oil. These vegetables bring color, texture, and sweetness. Optional additions include mushrooms, black olives, or banana peppers—many of which are commonly featured in family-friendly pasta bakes.

Olive Oil & Seasonings:
Use a drizzle of olive oil for sautéing veggies and enhancing richness. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

By carefully layering these elements, you create a pizzagna that’s not only visually stunning but also delivers a balanced bite of pizza and lasagna in every forkful.

Step-by-Step Supreme Pizza Lasagna Recipe

Creating the perfect supreme pizza lasagna is all about building layers of flavor. This recipe delivers a hearty, family-style bake that combines the cheesy richness of lasagna with the bold toppings of a supreme pizza. Follow these simple steps to achieve bubbly, golden perfection.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and proper browning of the top cheese layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

• In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.

• Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

• Once cooked, drain any excess grease.

• Stir in 1 jar (24 oz) of pizza or marinara sauce and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

This base mimics the rich, meaty flavor found in your favorite pizza shop sauce, enhanced with aromatic herbs. You can explore other creative options by checking out this collection of pizza sauce ideas.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies (Optional but Recommended)

• In a separate pan, sauté 1 diced green bell pepper and 1 small red onion until slightly softened.

• A quick sauté (3–4 minutes) draws out natural sweetness while maintaining a light crunch, much like traditional supreme pizza toppings.

For more topping inspirations and visual guidance, explore these curated supreme pizza topping ideas.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering your ingredients:

1. Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom.

2. Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.

3. Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles.

4. Top with some meat sauce, sautéed veggies, sliced pepperoni, and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella.

5. Repeat the process:

   • 3 more noodles

   • Remaining ricotta

   • Sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and veggies

6. Finish with the last 3 noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese.

If you’re curious about the science behind layering cheese for optimal melt and flavor, check out the Wikipedia article on mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

This two-stage bake prevents over-browning and ensures the center is fully heated. Consider placing the dish on a baking sheet to catch any spillover.

Step 6: Let It Rest

• Remove from oven and let the pizzagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

• This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve clean, hearty portions.

This baked dish can serve 6–8 people and reheats beautifully. If you love dishes that combine convenience and comfort, explore more one-pan dinner casseroles for inspiration.

Whether you’re prepping ahead for a weeknight meal or serving it up at a weekend gathering, this supreme pizza lasagna is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this supreme pizza lasagna—or pizzagna—stand out is its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It takes the most crave-worthy elements of both classic lasagna and a fully loaded pizza and transforms them into a one-dish meal that’s ideal for families, gatherings, or satisfying a deep comfort food craving.

At its core, this recipe works because it hits every major flavor note:

• Savory meats like ground beef and pepperoni add richness and spice.

• Melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta deliver gooey, satisfying textures that mimic both pizza and lasagna.

• Hearty pasta layers hold the structure together while soaking up flavor.

• Vegetable toppings like sautéed peppers and onions introduce a sweet contrast that lightens the dish just enough.

• Pizza sauce unites everything with bold, herbed acidity and classic Italian seasoning, a blend that you can read more about on Wikipedia’s Italian seasoning page.

Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. From meal prep to leftovers, it fits into busy lifestyles without sacrificing flavor. It’s no surprise that variations of this dish are trending among family-friendly pasta bakes and comfort casseroles across Pinterest.

Best of all, this is a fail-proof recipe. Even beginner cooks can master the layering and baking process with ease, making it a reliable favorite to come back to time and time again.