Oh, honey, let me tell you about our Cheesy Pizzagna Bake. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a weekly event around here. I can almost smell it now – the savory aroma of Italian sausage mingling with melted mozzarella, a hint of garlic, and that slightly tangy tomato sauce all bubbling together in the oven. It’s pure comfort food, the kind that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day. The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is. You can throw in whatever veggies you have wilting in the crisper drawer, swap out the sausage for ground beef or turkey, or even go vegetarian!

I remember the first time I tried making a Cheesy Pizzagna Bake. My oldest was going through a picky eating phase. I was desperate to find something both kids would actually eat! I stumbled upon the idea of a Pizza lasagna recipe online. The first attempt was… well, let’s just say it was a gloppy mess! The noodles were overcooked, the cheese was burnt on the edges, and the whole thing slid apart when I tried to serve it. But I saw the potential. I tweaked the recipe, experimented with different cheeses and sauces, and finally landed on this version of Cheesy Pizzagna Bake.

This Easy pizza casserole has become my go-to when I need something quick, satisfying, and relatively easy to clean up. Honestly, most nights it’s a race against the clock to get dinner on the table before someone starts a wrestling match in the living room. That’s when this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake comes to the rescue. It’s basically a Pizza pasta bake disguised as something a little more… sophisticated.

There was that one time I forgot to pre-cook the sausage. The whole thing went into the oven raw. *Epic fail!* Now, I always make sure to brown the sausage before layering everything. It makes a world of difference. We learn from our kitchen mishaps, right? It’s all about finding what works for you, your family, and your sanity. You just gotta laugh sometimes. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get started. You got this! I can help you with the Cheesy Pizzagna Bake step by step! Let’s go! You’ll love it!

Ingredients for Cheesy Pizzagna Perfection

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish. Don’t worry if you don’t have *every* ingredient on hand. This recipe is very forgiving!

1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni slices, for topping (optional)

raw ingredients for a cheesy pizzagna bake

For this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake, I always use a good quality Italian sausage. The kind from the butcher shop is best, but the store-bought stuff works in a pinch. When making Cheesy Pizzagna Bake, you can find great marinara sauce at the grocery store, but I like to use homemade if I have time. Here’s a Cheesy Pizzagna Bake trick I learned from my mom: add a pinch of sugar to your tomato sauce to cut the acidity. It really brightens up the flavor!

If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked sausage and no-boil lasagna noodles is a lifesaver when making Cheesy Pizzagna Bake. I will admit it makes life so much easier. To save money, I often buy the block mozzarella cheese and shred it myself – it’s cheaper than buying pre-shredded. And for leftover ingredients after making this Italian pizza bake, store the ricotta cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and any unused sauce can be frozen for future use. This is the best Pizza pasta bake you could ever ask for.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cheesy Pizzagna Bake

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to create this masterpiece, step by delicious step:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t worry if your Cheesy Pizzagna Bake sauce seems a little thin at this point; it will thicken up in the oven.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well. I learned the hard way with Cheesy Pizzagna Bake that if you don’t mix the egg in well enough, you’ll end up with little bits of cooked egg in your cheesy layer. Not ideal.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking. In my kitchen, Cheesy Pizzagna Bake usually takes about 10 minutes to brown the sausage and another 5 minutes to simmer the sauce.
Top with three lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Then, sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella cheese.
Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers: three lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, one cup of mozzarella cheese, and the remaining meat sauce.
Top with the final three lasagna noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese. If desired, arrange pepperoni slices on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Italian pizza bake is heated through. Your Cheesy Pizzagna Bake should smell like a combination of garlic, oregano, and savory meat sauce – pure heaven!
Let the Cheesy Pizzagna Bake stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

While the Cheesy Pizzagna Bake is cooking, I usually toss together a quick salad or steam some broccoli. It’s all about multitasking! Sometimes I sneak a peek to make sure the cheese is melting nicely. For a shortcut, use pre-cooked lasagna noodles to save even more time.

Serving Suggestions

So, you’ve got this bubbling, cheesy masterpiece – now what? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

The kids love our Cheesy Pizzagna Bake when I serve it with a side of garlic bread. It’s their favorite! My go-to side dishes that pair with Cheesy Pizzagna Bake are a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The fresh, crisp flavors complement the richness of the Italian pizza bake perfectly.

This Cheesy Pizzagna Bake is perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a casual weekend brunch. I’ve even made it for birthday parties! For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh basil or parsley on top after it comes out of the oven. It adds a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also adds a subtle kick!

If you have extra Cheesy Pizzagna Bake, it’s even better the next day! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or oven. I’ve even been known to eat it cold straight from the fridge (don’t judge!). In the fall, I sometimes add a layer of roasted butternut squash to my Cheesy Pizzagna Bake for a seasonal twist. I always get requests for this Pizza lasagna recipe at potlucks and gatherings. The best way to serve this Easy pizza casserole is with a smile! No Bake Key Lime Pie This is a dish that my family truly enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake:

Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake?Absolutely! You know what I do when my Cheesy Pizzagna Bake needs a little extra kick? I add some provolone or a sprinkle of asiago cheese. It adds a nice sharpness. My family loves it with a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and a little bit of Parmesan. Experiment and find what you like best!
Can I make this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake ahead of time?Yes, you can assemble the Cheesy Pizzagna Bake a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Then, bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
Can I freeze this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake?Yes! This Cheesy Pizzagna Bake freezes beautifully. I usually cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze them. It’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in the oven until heated through.
My Cheesy Pizzagna Bake is too watery. What did I do wrong?This can happen if your ricotta cheese has too much moisture. You know what I do when my Cheesy Pizzagna Bake looks to be too wet? Try draining the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for a few hours before using it. Also, make sure to drain the sausage well after browning it.
Can I add vegetables to this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake?Definitely! I often add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. My kids don’t even notice they’re there! Or you can try adding a layer of spinach or zucchini. The only limit is your imagination with this layered pizza dish!
My noodles are always soggy in lasagna. How do I prevent that with Cheesy Pizzagna Bake?Make sure you don’t overcook the lasagna noodles when you boil them. They should still be slightly firm. They’ll continue to cook in the oven. Also, don’t add too much sauce, as that can make the noodles soggy. No boil lasagna with pizza ingredients recipe This is a good guide to follow.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage in this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake?Absolutely! It will change the flavor slightly, but it’s a great way to make this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake a little healthier. Just make sure to season the ground turkey or chicken well with Italian herbs and spices. This makes a great Pizza lasagna recipe with all the amazing flavor.

Final Thoughts and Pro Tips

This Cheesy Pizzagna Bake recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that brings my family together. It’s become a tradition, something we all look forward to, and it’s a reminder of all the good times we’ve shared around the dinner table. It’s the ultimate Italian pizza bake. Here are my Pro Tips:

My Cheesy Pizzagna Bake Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or peppers.
My Cheesy Pizzagna Bake Pro Tip: Use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.
My Cheesy Pizzagna Bake Pro Tip: Let the Cheesy Pizzagna Bake rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting it. This will help it hold its shape.

We’ve tried a few variations over the years. My oldest loves it with pepperoni and mushrooms, while my youngest prefers it plain with just cheese and sauce. Sometimes, I’ll add a layer of sliced black olives for myself. Another one that we all love is Cheesy Meatloaf Bake Recipe if you’re looking for another comfort food staple.

Don’t worry about making it perfect. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. I hope this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Cooking is all about creating memories, and I hope this dish becomes a part of yours.

Give this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake a try, and you’ll see why we love it so much! Lasagna Deep Dish Pizza is another one to check out! Bon appétit, my friend! It is the best Layered pizza dish! You can also check my facebook page to see a Pizzagna – 2023 WHY I LIKE THIS PIZZAGNA RECIPE This recipe is great for family night!Pizzagna – 2023 WHY I LIKE THIS PIZZAGNA RECIPE This recipe is great for family night! Also check out my Sausage Maple Waffle Bake. This Cheesy Pizzagna Bake is truly something special.

Cheesy Pizzagna Bake

Print Recipe

This Cheesy Pizzagna Bake combines the best of pizza and lasagna into one satisfying dish. Layers of cheesy goodness, pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce make this a family favorite.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9 lasagna noodles, cooked
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, and some pepperoni.
Repeat layers: 3 noodles, remaining ricotta cheese, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, and more pepperoni.
Top with the final 3 noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the last 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with remaining pepperoni.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano before serving.