Pizzagna is a creative and indulgent fusion dish that combines the best elements of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and lasagna. Imagine layers of pizza dough instead of traditional lasagna noodles, with rich marinara sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings stacked in layers like a classic lasagna. The result is a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine in one comforting bake. Pizzagna is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or as a showstopper at a casual dinner party, offering a fun twist on traditional recipes.
The dough forms the base of the Pizzagna, offering a slightly chewy texture that contrasts with the gooey cheese and savory meat filling. You can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or save time with store-bought dough, which works just as well. After the dough is rolled out and layered in the dish, it’s topped with a rich tomato-based marinara sauce, ensuring that each layer is packed with flavor. You can customize the sauce to your liking, adding extra garlic, herbs, or even a pinch of chili flakes for heat. A key to making this dish special is the balance of flavors in the sauce and the savory fillings—whether you choose beef, sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables, each bite delivers a hearty and satisfying taste of pizza in lasagna form.
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One of the most appealing aspects of Pizzagna is its versatility. Just like pizza, you can tailor the toppings to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef or sausage with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, or even try a vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based twist. You can also play with the type of cheese you use—classic mozzarella is always a hit, but you could mix in some provolone, cheddar, or even a dollop of ricotta for extra creaminess. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni or prefer a Mediterranean topping of olives and spinach, the Pizzagna is an adaptable dish that can suit any taste.
When it comes to nutrition, Pizzagna offers a filling and satisfying meal, though it does tend to be on the heavier side due to the combination of dough, cheese, and meat. Each serving provides a good amount of protein, primarily from the meat and cheese, along with a substantial amount of carbohydrates from the dough. To make the dish slightly lighter, you can opt for lean meats, low-fat cheese, or even a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb version. Additionally, adding extra veggies can help increase the fiber content and boost the dish’s nutritional value. While it’s not the lightest meal, Pizzagna is a comforting treat that delivers a great balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying choice for a special occasion or a fun twist on pizza night.
Homemade Pizzagna (Pizza Lasagna) Recipe
Pizzagna is a fun fusion of pizza and lasagna, featuring layers of pizza dough, marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. It’s a delicious, hearty dish perfect for pizza and pasta lovers alike!
Ingredients:
- For the dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
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- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (or other pizza toppings of choice)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for added richness)
- 1 egg (optional, for the ricotta filling)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead until the dough comes together, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
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- Stir in the sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using ricotta, mix it with the egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Pizzagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a circle or rectangle, depending on your pan shape.
- Layer the dough in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep-dish pizza pan.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the dough, followed by a layer of the cooked meat mixture.
- Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then a layer of ricotta (if using).
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add a sprinkle of pepperoni slices (or other pizza toppings) on top, if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover the Pizzagna with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the Pizzagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your cheesy, pizza-inspired lasagna!
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Sugars: 6-8g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 8-12g
- Cholesterol: 50-75mg
- Sodium: 700-900mg
- Calcium: 250-350mg
- Iron: 2-3mg
Note: These values can vary based on specific ingredients (e.g., type of cheese, meat, and dough). You can lower the calorie count by using lean meats, reduced-fat cheese, or whole wheat pizza dough, and adding more vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.
Enjoy your Pizzagna!
