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

Description

A delightful fusion of two comfort food classics – pizza and lasagna. This Deep Dish Pizza Lasagna is loaded with layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, savory mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh veggies, cooked to perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks, ensuring everyone gets a hearty and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Lasagna

1 pound lasagna pasta
4 cups marinara sauce
30 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings

6 ounces pepperoni slices
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 diced green bell pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Lasagna Pasta
Place the lasagna noodles into the bottom of a pan. Pour hot tap water directly over the noodles, ensuring the pasta is fully immersed. Let them soak for 30 minutes. Once softened, drain and discard the water.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined, then refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Lasagna – First Layer
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the greased pan. Lay down 4 lasagna noodles in a single layer. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle ¼ of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add ⅓ of the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives, and diced green peppers. Drizzle with 1 cup of marinara sauce and sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Layering – Second and Third Layers
Repeat the layering process two more times, creating a total of three full layers. Ensure that each layer is evenly spread with the ricotta mixture, toppings, and cheese.
Final Layer
Top the final layer of pasta with 1 cup of marinara sauce, covering the noodles completely. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese, your favorite toppings, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake
Bake the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. The cheese should be golden, bubbly, and the center cooked through.
Serve
Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Soaking Noodles Shortcut: If you don’t want to soak the noodles in water, you can use oven-ready lasagna noodles. These don’t require pre-soaking and can be layered directly.
Vegetarian Swap: Omit the pepperoni or substitute with plant-based pepperoni for a vegetarian version of this lasagna.
Customized Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different pizza toppings like cooked sausage, spinach, or caramelized onions to suit your taste preferences.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg