Cheesy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food fusion – the Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake! If you’re looking to indulge in the delightful flavors of pizza and lasagna all in one delicious dish, then this recipe is a game-changer. Picture layers of lasagna noodles, savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara sauce all coming together in a bubbling skillet bake that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear.

I first whipped up this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake on a rainy Sunday for a movie marathon with my teens, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The blend of Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon, and pepperoni creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. And those crispy bacon bites? Pure magic. Whether you’re serving this up for a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this skillet bake is sure to steal the show, leaving everyone wanting more.

With the convenience of a one-pan wonder and the heartiness of a classic comfort food, this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake is a winner all year round. Whether you’re customizing with your favorite toppings, making it ahead for a busy day, or freezing for future cravings, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Get ready to savor each cheesy, saucy bite of this pizza-inspired twist on traditional lasagna; it’s a crowd-pleaser that promises to bring everyone together around the table.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient one-pan meal for busy weeknights
• Versatile – can be customized with different meats and vegetables
• Make-ahead option for easy meal prep
• Adaptable for dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegetarian

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe

• Convenience: This recipe combines the best of pizza and lasagna in one skillet, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal with minimal effort.
• Indulgent Flavors: Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory sausage all in one dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, whether it’s for a casual movie night with friends or a family gathering, this skillet bake is sure to impress.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like ground beef and sausage for lighter alternatives, or adding your favorite veggies to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare in advance and refrigerate or freeze for future meals, allowing you to have a delicious homemade dinner ready at a moment’s notice.
• Versatile: Experiment with different pasta shapes and additional toppings to create new flavor variations, making it a versatile and adaptable dish for any occasion.
• Leftovers-Friendly: While leftovers are rare with this dish, it reheats well and can be enjoyed for up to three days, making it a practical option for meal prep or packed lunches.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

Meat and Protein

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup bacon, crumbled

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

Pantry and Staples

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Extras and Finishings

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 25 pepperoni slices
• 10 lasagna sheets, broken into small pieces
• 24 ounces marinara sauce

Pro Tips for Cheesy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

Pro Tip 1: To ensure the noodles are perfectly cooked and absorb maximum flavor, slightly undercook them before assembling the skillet bake. This will prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.

Pro Tip 2: Customize the Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake by adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as black olives, green peppers, or even different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar. This versatile dish allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences.

Pro Tip 3: For a convenient make-ahead option, assemble the skillet bake in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, as you can simply pop it in the oven for a delicious and hassle-free meal.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

Step 1: Prepare Lasagna Sheets

Boil the broken lasagna sheets in a large pot of salted water as instructed on the package. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced yellow onion until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings and Sauce

Mix onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Add 20 slices of pepperoni, 1/2 cup crumbled bacon, and marinara sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Carefully incorporate the drained lasagna sheets into the skillet mixture, making sure they are evenly coated and distributed.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the surface. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon and arrange the reserved 5 pepperoni slices on top.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake, allow it to cool before transferring it to a lidded container for storage in the refrigerator. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions flat in freezer bags. To reheat from frozen, simply place the frozen portion in a skillet with a splash of water and heat through. The flavors of the skillet bake actually improve overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.

When serving leftovers, reheat the dish gently before enjoying. You can store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enhance the dish with added nutrition and flavor, consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet bake. With its convenient storage options and delicious flavors, this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake is perfect for quick weeknight meals or entertaining friends and family.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake, you can easily substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives. This swap will reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.

If you don’t have lasagna sheets on hand, you can use alternative pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni. These pasta shapes work well in a skillet and will absorb the marinara sauce beautifully, creating a similar texture to traditional lasagna noodles.

To add extra nutrition and flavor, consider including bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms in the skillet bake. These vegetables will not only enhance the taste but also provide additional vitamins and minerals to the dish. Plus, they can easily be incorporated into the recipe without compromising the overall essence of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake in individual mini cast iron skillets for a charming and personalized touch. This way, each guest can enjoy their own portion straight from the skillet, adding extra toppings like fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, or a dollop of ricotta cheese before digging in. The mini skillets also make for a fun and interactive way to serve this hearty and comforting dish at a casual gathering or party.

To take the presentation up a notch, consider serving the Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake family-style in a large, oven-safe skillet right at the table. This communal dining experience adds a cozy and inviting element to the meal, allowing everyone to scoop out their desired portion and customize it with additional toppings or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Pair this dish with a rustic loaf of crusty bread and a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying Italian-inspired feast that is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

FAQs for Cheesy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

Can I substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely, you can swap beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter spin.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of lasagna sheets?

Fusilli, penne, or rigatoni also hold up well in a skillet and absorb marinara beautifully.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best results.

Are there any additional vegetables I can add to this recipe?

Feel free to include bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

After indulging in the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake, I hope you feel inspired to bring this comforting dish to your own table soon. This recipe truly marries the best of pizza and lasagna in a way that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this skillet bake is sure to impress.

Remember, don’t be afraid to customize this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake to suit your preferences. Whether you opt for different meats, cheeses, or veggies, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. So gather your ingredients, preheat that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking and savoring every bite of this delicious Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake!