Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna is a delightful fusion of two family favorites—pizza and lasagna! Perfect for those who prefer meatless meals, this dish combines sautéed vegetables, zesty pepperoni, and layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, all enveloped in rich pasta sauce. It's an ideal meal for busy weeknights, and the best part is that you can make two at once and freeze one for a quick dinner later. The crispy edges and melty goodness will have your kids asking for seconds!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lasagna noodles
15 (cooked)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Mushroom
3/4 cup (chopped)
Green pepper
1 (chopped)
Pepperoni
300 g (finely chopped or grated)
Pasta sauce
700 g (your favorite variety)
Oregano
to taste (dried)
Basil
to taste (dried)
Garlic
to taste (minced or powdered)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups (for layering)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft, stirring often.
3
Stir in the pasta sauce, ensuring to save a small amount to place at the bottom of the baking pan. Add the finely chopped or grated pepperoni, along with oregano, basil, and garlic to taste.
4
Spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
5
Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by 1/3 of the vegetable and sauce mixture. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6
Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
7
Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
8
Once baked, allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This will help the layers set.
9
For extra toppings, feel free to add your favorite pizza ingredients such as bacon, cheddar cheese, or sliced tomatoes before baking.
10
To freeze your lasagna, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna?
It is a fusion dish that combines the flavors of pizza and lasagna, featuring layers of pasta, sautéed vegetables, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Which vegetables are used in the sauce mixture?
The recipe uses chopped onion, green pepper, and mushrooms.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, green pepper, and mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft.
How many lasagna noodles are needed for this recipe?
You will need 15 lasagna noodles, and they should be cooked before assembly.
How much pepperoni is required?
The recipe calls for 300 grams of pepperoni.
How should the pepperoni be prepared?
The pepperoni should be finely chopped or grated before being added to the sauce.
What kind of cheese is used in this lasagna?
The recipe specifies using 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What spices are added to the pasta sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with oregano, basil, and garlic to taste.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13 x 9 inch baking dish is recommended.
Why do I need to put sauce on the bottom of the pan?
Spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom prevents the noodles from sticking to the dish.
How many layers should the lasagna have?
The lasagna is built with three layers of noodles, sauce/vegetable mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
Total how long does it take to bake?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
Why is the lasagna covered with foil during the first part of baking?
The foil prevents the cheese on top from burning while the rest of the lasagna heats through.
How can I tell when the lasagna is finished baking?
The lasagna is done when the cheese is bubbling and has turned a golden color.
Why should the lasagna stand for 10 minutes after baking?
Allowing it to stand helps the layers set, making it much easier to cut and serve.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza lasagna?
Yes, you can add extra pizza toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, or sliced tomatoes before baking.
Is this a freezer-friendly meal?
Yes, you can make two at once and freeze one for a quick dinner later.
How should I wrap the lasagna for freezing?
Wrap the dish well in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then label it with the date.
How do I cook the lasagna after it has been frozen?
Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it according to the standard instructions.
What type of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use 700g of your favorite variety of pasta sauce.
What category of dish is this?
This recipe is classified as a 'One Dish Meal'.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed as a family-favorite that appeals to kids with its pizza-like flavors.
Can I use powdered garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for garlic to be used to taste, either minced or in powdered form.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of chopped mushrooms; fresh is typically preferred for sautéing.
How much sauce is used in the mixture?
A 700g jar of sauce is used, with a small amount reserved for the bottom of the pan and the rest mixed with vegetables.
Does this recipe contain meat?
Yes, it contains 300g of pepperoni, though it can be adapted for those who prefer meatless meals by omitting it.
Can I use different types of peppers?
The recipe specifies green pepper, but you can use any variety you prefer for your pizza toppings.
How many noodles are used per layer?
Each of the three layers uses 5 lasagna noodles.