Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

This Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake combines the best of two beloved dishes into one easy, flavorful dinner. You get all the gooey cheese and toppings of a classic pizza layered over tender lasagna noodles, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. It cooks in a single skillet so clean up is a breeze and everyone can dig in straight from the pan.

I first made this when I couldn’t decide between pizza or lasagna for dinner and now it’s a favorite in our house. My family loves how it satisfies both cravings at once and it always sparks fun conversations about what to add next time.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: brings rich meaty flavor and absorbs the sauce well Choose a blend with a bit of fat for best taste
• Italian sausage: amps up the savory notes Pick fresh sausage loaded with herbs for true flavor
• Yellow onion: adds natural sweetness and depth Use a fresh onion instead of dried for the best result
• Onion powder and garlic powder: lend extra seasoning with no chopping needed
• Italian seasoning: gives the dish those classic pizza vibes Look for quality blends with oregano or basil prominent
• Pepperoni slices: add bold, spicy bites Choose your favorite brand or go for turkey pepperoni if you prefer something lighter
• Bacon: crumbled for smoky, salty richness Cook it fresh and crisp for best texture and flavor
• Marinara sauce: provides a tangy tomato base Use a sauce with simple ingredients and no added sugar if possible
• Lasagna sheets: broken into wide, bite size pieces Either traditional or noboil noodles work well, just break them roughly for rustic charm
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded fresh melts beautifully Buy a block and shred yourself if you have time it really makes a difference

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Cook the broken lasagna sheets in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until just al dente. This means they still have a little bite and won't turn mushy when baked. Drain them thoroughly and set aside so they don't stick together.

Brown the Meats and Sauté the Onion:

Heat a large skillet over mediumhigh heat and add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced yellow onion. Stir and break up the meat as it cooks so everything browns evenly and the onions soften. Keep going until no pink remains in the meat. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a heavy dish. For garnish, set aside a small scoop of the cooked mixture.

Build the Sauce and Layers:

Return the skillet with the meat mixture to the heat. Stir in most of the pepperoni slices and half of the bacon crumbles. Pour in all the marinara sauce and mix well so it bubbles and clings thickly to the meat and onions creating a rich base.

Combine with Pasta:

Add the drained lasagna pieces into the skillet with the sauce and meat. Gently stir everything together so the noodles get fully coated but try not to break the noodles apart. The goal is that the noodles soak up the sauce while holding their shape.

Top and Bake:

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Scatter the reserved bacon crumbles, the leftover cooked meat, and the remaining pepperoni slices over the cheese. Place the skillet in a preheated oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and gets golden and bubbly.

Serve:

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. This helps everything set so it's easier to serve. Dish it out straight from the pan for a warm, comforting meal everyone will love.

Mozzarella is my favorite part of this dish—its oozy meltiness brings everything together and takes me right back to family pizza nights at my grandparents. We would invent funny names for our cheesy creations and now my kids love doing the same with this skillet.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use the oven or heat gently in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the noodles from drying out. If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely then pack into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch instead of beef and sausage. Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar if you want a different cheese twist. If you cannot find lasagna noodles, wide egg noodles broken into pieces make a good stand in.

Ways to Serve

Serve with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a full meal. For extra fun, have everyone add their favorite pizza toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers just before baking.

This skillet bake is an easy weeknight winner that combines pizza comfort with pasta heartiness. Leftovers reheat well and make for a great next day meal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different meats in this skillet?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work well and can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.

→ What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

Tomato basil sauce, homemade pizza sauce, or creamy Alfredo offer tasty variations to the classic tangy base.

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

Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente prevents sogginess and helps them absorb the sauce evenly in the skillet.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach enhance flavor and nutrition when mixed in before baking.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Freeze before baking by cooling fully and placing in airtight containers. Thaw completely before reheating to enjoy optimal texture.