Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

This one-pan Pizza Lasagna Skillet brings together gooey pizza flavors and the layers of hearty lasagna for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner. You get all the satisfaction of a slice of pizza and a cheesy baked pasta but with way less mess and cleanup.

My family always argues over whether to make pizza or lasagna for Friday nights so this skillet was my way of making everyone happy. Even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings meaty richness and soaks up all the sauce choose a blend with a little fat for flavor
• Italian sausage: amps up the savory flavor look for fresh sausage with real herbs
• Yellow onion: diced for sweetness and depth fresh onions make a difference over dried
• Onion powder and garlic powder: boost flavor without needing to mince anything
• Italian seasoning: delivers those pizza parlor vibes use a quality blend with oregano or basil prominent
• Pepperoni slices: add bold, spicy bites use your favorite brand or go for turkey pepperoni if you prefer
• Bacon: crumbled for smoky saltiness crisp it fresh for best taste
• Marinara sauce: the tangy tomato base opt for a sauce with simple natural ingredients and no added sugar
• Lasagna sheets: broken to mimic wide noodles traditional or no-boil both work just break into two inch pieces
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded fresh melts best buy a block and shred yourself if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Cook the lasagna sheets in a large pot of salted boiling water following the package directions until just al dente. Drain them well and set aside to prevent sticking

Brown the Meats and Sauté the Onion:

Use a large skillet over medium high heat to cook the ground beef Italian sausage and diced onion together. Stir and break up the meat as it cooks for even browning. Keep going until there is no pink left and the onions are soft. Drain off any extra grease to avoid a greasy dish. Set aside a scoop of this cooked meat to sprinkle on top later

Build the Sauce and Layers:

To the skillet with the meat add most of the pepperoni slices half of the bacon crumbles and pour in all the marinara sauce. Stir everything so it is well mixed and bubbling and the sauce clings thickly to the meat

Combine with Pasta:

Add the drained lasagna pieces into the skillet meat sauce mixture. Gently stir to coat each noodle with sauce but try to keep the noodle pieces from tearing apart

Top and Bake:

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top then add the reserved bacon crumbles remaining meat and the last of the pepperoni on top. Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about ten to fifteen minutes or just until the cheese is melted and everything is hot

Serve:

Let the skillet sit for five minutes to set. Serve directly from the pan for maximum coziness and enjoy

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Mozzarella is my favorite part here its meltiness ties the whole thing together and brings back memories of pizza night at my grandparents. We used to make up funny names for our combined pizza pasta creations and now my kids do the same thing

Storage Tips

This skillet keeps well in the fridge covered for up to three days. For reheating use the oven or a covered skillet on low heat to keep the noodles from drying out. If you choose to freeze cool fully then tuck into airtight containers for up to two months

Easy Ingredient Swaps

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter version. Try different cheeses like provolone or even cheddar for your favorite pizza twist. If lasagna noodles are hard to find use any wide egg noodle cut into pieces

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Ways to Serve

Pair with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a full meal. For a fun spin let everyone add their favorite pizza toppings like sliced olives mushrooms or bell peppers just before baking

A Bit of Background

This recipe borrows from Italian American comfort food but puts a weeknight spin on classic lasagna. The idea came about as I looked for a way to get the cheesy pizza flavors my family loves without making two separate dishes and the one skillet method means less time washing up

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different meats in this skillet?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute to fit your preferences.

→ What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

Swap in tomato basil sauce, homemade pizza sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo for a twist.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna sheets?

Yes, boil the noodles as directed before adding them to the skillet mixture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the flavor and nutrition.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

This skillet can be frozen before baking. Thaw completely and bake until bubbly and warmed through.