Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

This pizza lasagna skillet bake brings together the best of both worlds with the flavors of a classic pizza layered right into hearty lasagna. It's a onepan wonder that makes dinner feel special but keeps prep straightforward and cleanup easy. The blend of browned ground beef and Italian sausage with fragrant onions and a rich marinara sauce mingles perfectly with broken lasagna noodles and gooey mozzarella cheese. Crisp bacon and spicy pepperoni add that satisfying pizza punch, baked until bubbly and golden. This dish has quickly become my goto when I want something comforting but fussfree, and my family loves how it satisfies pizza and pasta cravings all at once.

I first made this when trying to solve the pizza versus lasagna dinner debate at home and now it’s our Friday night winner. Even my picky eaters ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings rich meaty flavor and absorbs the sauce well choose a blend with some fat for the best flavor
• Italian sausage: boosts the savory profile opt for fresh sausage with visible herbs for more aroma
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth fresh onions offer better texture and taste than dried
• Onion powder and garlic powder: enhance flavor simply without needing to chop
• Italian seasoning: mimics pizza parlor herbs look for blends with good oregano or basil highlights
• Pepperoni slices: give bold spicy bites pick your favorite brand or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
• Bacon: crumbled for smoky saltiness cook crisp just before adding for best taste and texture
• Marinara sauce: tangy tomato base select a brand with simple ingredients and no added sugars
• Lasagna sheets: broken into two inch pieces to mimic wide noodles traditional or noboil types both work well
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and brings creamy texture buy a block and shred fresh if you can

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

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

Brown the Meats and Sauté the Onion:

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Stir and break up the meat often to ensure even browning. Cook until no pink remains and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Reserve a scoop of this cooked meat mixture to garnish the top later.

Build the Sauce and Layers:

Return the skillet with the meat to medium heat and add most of the pepperoni slices and half the crumbled bacon. Pour in all the marinara sauce and stir everything well so the sauce thickly coats the meat and starts bubbling.

Combine with Pasta:

Add the drained lasagna pieces into the skillet and gently fold to coat each noodle with sauce. Be careful not to break the noodles further as they combine with the meat sauce.

Top and Bake:

Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Then add the reserved bacon crumbles, remaining meat, and the last of the pepperoni slices for a tasty layered finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to fifteen minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and everything is heated through.

Serve:

Let the skillet rest for five minutes to set up slightly. Serve directly from the pan for a cozy, comforting meal.

Mozzarella steals the show with its perfect meltiness tying the whole dish together for me. It always reminds me of pizza nights at my grandparents where we got creative combining pizza and pasta in silly ways. Now my kids love making their own versions of this skillet too, keeping the fun tradition alive.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or on low heat in a covered skillet to keep noodles moist and tender. For freezing, cool completely before packing into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef and sausage for a lighter version. Try cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different pizza twist. If you cannot find lasagna sheets use wide egg noodles cut into pieces as a substitute.

Ways to Serve

Add a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a well rounded meal. Let everyone customize their portion by adding pizza extras like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers before baking for an interactive dinner.

This pizza lasagna skillet bake is a comforting, crowd pleasing weeknight favorite that brings pizza and pasta together in one easy skillet. It reheats well and makes great leftovers.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different meats in this skillet?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work well for a lighter or vegetarian option.

→ What can replace marinara sauce?

Try tomato basil sauce, homemade pizza sauce, or a creamy Alfredo to vary the flavor profile.

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

Yes, boiling the noodles until just al dente prevents them from becoming too soft in the skillet.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat gently.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach enhance both nutrition and flavor.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw completely and bake until hot and bubbly.