Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake

If your weeknight calls for a mashup of big Italian flavors with hardly any fuss, this Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake nails it. Imagine bubbling marinara, gooey cheese, layers of noodles and hearty meat all in one pan and quick to the table. It feels like a celebration on a busy night and has saved me whenever my friends drop by unexpectedly.

One rainy Sunday I made this for my teens and their friends during a movie marathon and it vanished before I could even serve a side salad. There are never leftovers.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose a lean blend for flavor and less grease
• Italian sausage: buy sweet or hot based on your crew’s preference for a kick or no kick
• Yellow onion: brings sweet, savory depth to the base
• Onion powder: boosts onion flavor and rounds out the sauce
• Garlic powder: adds classic pizza zest without any chopping
• Italian seasoning: blends dried herbs for that unmistakable pizza aroma
• Pepperoni slices: go for your favorite brand and grab extra crispy minis for a fun twist
• Bacon: crumbled and smoky for a hit of flavor in every bite buys thick cut for best results
• Marinara sauce: a jar of good quality or homemade makes all the difference
• Lasagna sheets: pick a sturdy brand so your noodles hold up after boiling
• Mozzarella cheese: whole milk types melt best for that stretchy pizza pull

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Boil the lasagna sheets in plenty of salted water as the package directs stir so nothing sticks and cook until just al dente drain well and keep aside while you prep other steps

Brown the Meat:

Set a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat add ground beef sausage and diced onion and cook stirring often until the meat browns and onions turn soft scoop out any grease so your sauce stays flavorful not heavy

Build the Sauce Mix:

Add most of the pepperoni crumbled bacon and all of the marinara sauce sprinkle in the onion and garlic powder and Italian seasoning stir well so every bit of meat gets coated in the rich tomato base

Add Noodles and Mix:

Gently fold the drained lasagna sheets into the bubbling meat sauce use tongs or a big spoon so the noodles distribute evenly scoop up from the bottom to blend everything

Finish with Cheese and Toppings:

Shower the top with mozzarella cheese spread the remaining bacon over and then finish arranging the last slices of pepperoni for that signature pizza look

Bake Everything Together:

Place the skillet in a 350 degree oven bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles at the edges and browns slightly if you like it extra gooey set under the broiler for a minute

Serve Hot:

Let it rest five minutes then scoop generous portions straight from the skillet onto plates or shallow bowls

I absolutely love the thick ribbons of lasagna noodles tucked throughout and can never resist sneaking pieces straight from the pan as it rests. My kids still joke that I put more bacon in than the recipe calls for just for those extra crispy bites.

Storage Tips

Cool the skillet bake before transferring to a lidded container it keeps three days in the fridge. For longer storage freeze portions flat in freezer bags and reheat straight from frozen in a skillet with a splash of water. The flavor improves overnight making it an easy make ahead option.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in turkey or veggie sausage for a lighter base if you prefer. Gluten free lasagna noodles work well if you boil them gently and stir in at the end. You can use provolone or cheddar on top if mozzarella is not handy and even add black olives or green peppers for a supreme pizza twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve heaping portions with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Kids love it with garlic bread on the side and adults might enjoy a sprinkle of chili flakes or drizzle of olive oil. For a fun party dish let guests top their own skillet sections with extra cheese or sauce.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza and lasagna both hail from the heart of Italian home cooking but this recipe is all about American comfort food. Pasta bakes that blend beloved pizza toppings and cheesy noodles have long been a family potluck favorite especially in the Midwest where skillet casseroles shine for ease and sharing.

Seasonal Adaptations

During summer add fresh basil and juicy tomatoes on top after baking. For fall bake in some roasted squash or sautéed mushrooms. In colder months amp up with extra cheese and a few handfuls of cooked spinach. Three helpful notes for adapting this bake are always use an oven safe pan for easy transfer always undercook the noodles just a touch so they absorb flavor while baking and never skimp on the cheese at the end.

Success Stories

One time my niece asked if this was actually lasagna or pizza and all the kids laughed before going back for thirds. Friends have requested this for game nights and dinner swaps and I’ve even packed cooled slices in lunchboxes with rave reviews.

Freezer Meal Conversion

For an easy freezer meal assemble right up to the cheese stage then wrap tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen at 325 degrees covered for thirty five minutes then uncover until bubbling for a reliable weeknight dinner.

This one skillet dinner always feels like a party and brings everyone to the table. Serve hot and expect zero leftovers.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different meats besides beef and sausage?

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

→ What pasta works if I don't have lasagna sheets?

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

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead?

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

→ Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

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

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place cooled portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.