Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of soaking regular ones?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work great in this recipe. Simply layer them dry according to the recipe instructions – no soaking required. Just ensure you have enough sauce in each layer as the noodles will absorb liquid as they cook.

How can I make this recipe faster on a busy weeknight?

For a quicker version, use no-boil noodles, pre-shredded cheese, and pre-sliced vegetables. You can also assemble it the night before or in the morning, refrigerate, and then bake when you get home. Another time-saver is preparing it over the weekend and freezing it for a future meal.

Can I add different pizza toppings to customize this lasagna?

Definitely! Just like with pizza, you can customize the toppings to your preferences. Cooked sausage, ham, pineapple, spinach, or artichoke hearts all work wonderfully. Just be mindful that very watery vegetables might need to be pre-cooked to remove excess moisture.

My family doesn't like ricotta cheese. Is there a substitute?

If ricotta isn't a family favorite, you can substitute with cottage cheese (blended until smooth), a creamy béchamel sauce, or simply increase the mozzarella cheese. Each option will give a different texture and flavor profile, but all will be delicious!

Deep Dish Pizza Lasagna Recipe

Name: Deep Dish Pizza Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lasagna pasta; 4 cups marinara sauce; 30 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 6 ounces pepperoni slices; 8 ounces sliced mushrooms; ½ cup sliced black olives; 1 diced green bell pepper

This incredible Deep Dish Pizza Lasagna combines two beloved Italian classics into one magnificent meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. With layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese, savory marinara, and all your favorite pizza toppings, this hearty dish delivers all the flavors you love about pizza and lasagna in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe promises big flavors with surprisingly straightforward preparation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best of Both Worlds: Combines everything you love about deep dish pizza and lasagna into one incredible dish – no more choosing between your two favorite Italian classics!
Crowd-Pleaser: Absolutely irresistible for both pizza lovers and pasta enthusiasts, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you need to feed a hungry crowd.
Customizable: Just like your favorite pizza, you can easily adapt the toppings to suit everyone’s preferences or what you have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to minimize last-minute prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lasagna pasta: The foundation of our dish. The no-boil soaking method saves time and gives you perfectly tender noodles without the hassle of boiling and draining.
Marinara sauce: Brings the classic pizza flavor base. Use your favorite jarred sauce for convenience, or homemade for that extra personal touch.
Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious layer that’s quintessentially lasagna. The rich texture balances perfectly with the other ingredients.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture, helping it maintain structure when baked rather than becoming watery.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish, particularly important for the ricotta mixture.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that stretchy, melty goodness you expect from both pizza and lasagna. Fresh or pre-shredded both work, though freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste profile. Freshly grated offers the best flavor.
Pepperoni slices: Delivers the classic pizza flavor everyone loves. Look for a quality pepperoni for the best flavor.
Mushrooms: Adds earthy flavor and meaty texture. Pre-sliced saves time, but fresh sliced mushrooms provide better flavor.
Black olives: Contributes a briny flavor contrast that’s classic on pizza. Drain well to prevent excess moisture.
Green bell pepper: Provides color, crunch, and fresh flavor. Dice them fairly small for even distribution throughout the lasagna.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Version

Replace some of the vegetable toppings with cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, ham, or bacon for a hearty meat-focused version that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Vegetarian Delight

Skip the pepperoni and add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for a veggie-packed feast.

Stuffed Crust Inspiration

Add string cheese sticks around the edge of the pan before the final layer of noodles for a stuffed-crust feel that cheese lovers will go wild for.

White Pizza Lasagna

Replace some or all of the marinara with an alfredo sauce or a mixture of ricotta and herbs for a white pizza inspired variation.

How to Make Deep Dish Pizza Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a pan. Pour hot tap water directly over the noodles, ensuring they’re completely immersed. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and discard water. This no-boil method saves time and prevents broken noodles!

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until smooth and well-incorporated. Refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.

Step 3: Prepare for Assembly

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a deep 9×13 pan to prevent sticking and make serving easier.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange 4 noodles on top, overlapping slightly if needed. Spread with ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with ¼ of the mozzarella cheese. Add 1/3 of the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives, and green peppers. Spoon about 1 cup marinara sauce over the toppings, then sprinkle with ¼ cup parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Build the Remaining Layers

Repeat the layering process two more times to create three complete layers of filling. For the final top layer, place a final layer of pasta, topped with another cup of marinara sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella, toppings, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the lasagna is heated through. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice and Dice Evenly: Cut all your toppings into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and consistent baking.
No-Boil Noodle Hack: The soaking method works with regular lasagna noodles and saves you from boiling water and handling hot, slippery pasta.
Cheese Strategy: Reserve extra cheese for the top layer to create that gorgeous, Instagram-worthy golden brown crust.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes for cleaner, more beautiful slices.
Sauce Distribution: Be generous with sauce on the bottom layer and top to ensure the noodles cook properly and don’t dry out.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty deep dish pizza lasagna with a crisp garden salad dressed simply with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or breadsticks make excellent accompaniments to soak up any extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas

For a restaurant-quality presentation, use a sharp knife to cut clean portions, then serve with a spatula. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top adds color and freshness.

Beverage Suggestions

This robust dish pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a crisp apple cider.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be wrapped separately for quick grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

For baked leftovers, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap then aluminum foil for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the microwave’s defrost function followed by regular heating.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of soaking regular ones?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work great in this recipe. Simply layer them dry according to the recipe instructions – no soaking required. Just ensure you have enough sauce in each layer as the noodles will absorb liquid as they cook.
How can I make this recipe faster on a busy weeknight?

For a quicker version, use no-boil noodles, pre-shredded cheese, and pre-sliced vegetables. You can also assemble it the night before or in the morning, refrigerate, and then bake when you get home. Another time-saver is preparing it over the weekend and freezing it for a future meal.
Can I add different pizza toppings to customize this lasagna?

Definitely! Just like with pizza, you can customize the toppings to your preferences. Cooked sausage, ham, pineapple, spinach, or artichoke hearts all work wonderfully. Just be mindful that very watery vegetables might need to be pre-cooked to remove excess moisture.
My family doesn’t like ricotta cheese. Is there a substitute?

If ricotta isn’t a family favorite, you can substitute with cottage cheese (blended until smooth), a creamy béchamel sauce, or simply increase the mozzarella cheese. Each option will give a different texture and flavor profile, but all will be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Deep Dish Pizza Lasagna truly gives you the best of both Italian comfort food worlds! It’s the perfect solution when you can’t decide between pizza or pasta, and it’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with enthusiasm. The layers of flavor create something truly special that transcends both of its inspirations. Whether for a family dinner, potluck contribution, or meal prep solution, this recipe delivers big satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try this week – your family will be asking for it again and again!