If you’re craving all the heavenly flavors of your favorite pizza combined with the layered goodness of lasagna, then you are absolutely going to love this Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe. Imagine saucy marinara mingling with ground beef, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni all cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner time a joy. This dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser that brings comforting warmth, cheesy delight, and an irresistible aroma to your table in just about 35 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with your favorite people again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple but crucial here. Each component plays a distinct role, whether it’s creating a savory base, adding rich cheesiness, or bringing in that classic pizza flavor you love. Together, they build the perfect flavor and texture harmony.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty meatiness and a satisfying protein foundation.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic punch that lifts all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the dish its Italian soul.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of mild heat and complexity.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce: The saucy, tangy hero tying everything together.
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): The classic pasta element that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups water: Helps cook the noodles evenly and keeps the skillet nice and saucy.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: Infuses that unmistakable pizza zest and a hint of spice.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, irresistible layers.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the cheese topping.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
How to Make Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink and the onions become tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds a hearty, flavorful base that’s vital to the dish’s rich taste.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for about one minute until fragrant—this little step infuses your skillet with classic Italian aromas that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Water, and Noodles
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce along with 2 cups of water. Toss in the broken lasagna noodle pieces, stirring everything together to ensure the noodles are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates a one-pan pasta environment where the noodles absorb the tomatoey goodness beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Until Noodles are Tender
Cover your skillet and let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. Patience here pays off—the noodles will soften perfectly, soaking up the rich sauce while staying tender but not mushy. This simmer transforms your skillet into a cheesy, pasta masterpiece.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni, Then Broil
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to melt right into the sauce. Then top with pepperoni slices, the remaining mozzarella, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. For that golden, bubbly finish, pop your skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn, just gloriously brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before you dig in, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This final touch is all about making your Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe as inviting to the eyes as it is to your taste buds.
How to Serve Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are the perfect finishing touch, adding brightness and a lovely contrast to the rich cheesy layers. You might also drizzle a bit of olive oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an added dimension of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this skillet bake alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement those indulgent pizza and lasagna flavors. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables will add freshness and balance for a well-rounded meal everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions straight from mini skillets or oven-safe ramekins for a personal touch. You can also layer the dish in a large casserole dish if you prefer, though the one-pan skillet approach really shines with that golden broiled cheese topping. Pair it with a rustic wooden serving board to elevate your presentation for casual dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully and makes for a quick lunch or second dinner with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe in advance, let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you love that broiled cheese top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating to get that perfect bubbly crust again.
FAQs
Can I use ground sausage instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground sausage works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a slightly spicier, richer flavor. You can even mix half sausage and half beef for the best of both worlds.
Do I need an oven-safe skillet to make this recipe?
Yes, using an oven-safe skillet is key for broiling the cheese topping directly in the pan. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the contents to a baking dish before broiling.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet bake?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives can be stirred in with the sauce and noodles for extra flavor and texture, making the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Stirring occasionally while simmering helps prevent the broken lasagna noodles from sticking. Also, make sure the noodles are fully coated with sauce and water for even cooking.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, this dish is very kid-friendly thanks to the familiar flavors of pizza and lasagna combined in one easy skillet. Feel free to adjust the seasoning or toppings to match your family’s preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe is like giving yourself a delicious hug on a plate. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort meals. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes that you can count on to satisfy pizza and pasta cravings all at once. So go ahead, pull out your skillet, and create a meal that’s cozy, cheesy, and simply unforgettable.
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Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake combines all the best flavors of pizza and lasagna into one convenient, flavorful, and hearty one-pan meal. Featuring ground beef, marinara sauce, broken lasagna noodles, pepperoni, and gooey melted cheeses, it’s perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner. Cooked on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a bubbly cheesy top, this recipe is simple to prepare and guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to break apart the meat.
- Add Seasonings: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Add Sauce and Noodles: Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce and 2 cups of water. Add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles and mix well to ensure the noodles are coated and submerged.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Once the noodles are tender, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Layer the pepperoni slices evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese followed by the grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni.
- Broil for Finish: If desired, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if using, and serve hot straight from the skillet for a cozy and delicious meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground sausage for ground beef, or use a combination of both for extra flavor.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions for added texture and taste.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free if desired.
- If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer contents to a baking dish before broiling the cheese on top.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
