Name: Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; 2 tsp minced garlic; 1 large egg; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 15-oz. jar pizza sauce; 1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano; 3 Italian sausage links; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 9 oven-ready lasagna sheets; 5 oz. mini pepperoni slices

If you’re torn between ordering pizza or indulging in a bubbling tray of lasagna, I’ve got just the thing to keep everyone at your table grinning: Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna. This dish layers all the cheesy, pepperoni-packed joy of classic pizza into the heartwarming, saucy comfort of lasagna. Each bite is a celebration of gooey mozzarella, spicy sausage, tangy pizza sauce, and those savory pepperoni rounds. Trust me, after just one slice, your family and friends may never want to choose between the two again!

Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna comes from straightforward ingredients that work together to create wonderful layers of flavor and texture. Each choice makes a difference, from the herbs to the blend of cheeses, giving every bite that pizzeria-meets-Italian-grandma magic.

Italian sausage links: Savory and packed with herbs, sausage brings robust flavor and meaty richness to the filling—slice and brown for the best texture.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta forms the luscious, mild base of your cheese layer—don’t skimp on the whole milk version for silky results.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): The star melter! Mozzarella gives stretchy, gooey pulls and golden crowns across every slice.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that complements the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella.
Chopped fresh oregano: Bright and peppery, fresh oregano gives each bite a little herbal spark—sub dried if you need to, but fresh sings.
Chopped fresh basil: Basil is peppery-sweet and aromatic, lifting all the other flavors—again, fresh makes a big difference.
Minced garlic: Just a touch of garlic amps up the flavor, making the cheese mixture irresistible.
Large egg: The egg binds your ricotta mixture, so it stays set and creamy when baked.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t forget a good pinch in your cheese mixture.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a little kick, red pepper flakes bring some gentle heat.
Pizza sauce: This is the zesty foundation—thick and tomato-rich, it delivers all the familiar pizza flavor.
Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano: Bulk up the sauce and add chunky pops of flavor with these seasoned tomatoes.
Oven-ready lasagna sheets: No-boil noodles save you time and effort—just layer them in and they’ll turn tender in the oven.
Mini pepperoni slices: The all-important topping and middle-layer treat—mini pepperoni covers each bite, but larger ones work if you slice them.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by slicing the Italian sausage links into rounds and cooking them in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping now and then, until the sausage is deeply golden and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to blot away any extra grease. Cooked sausage brings that hearty, spicy satisfaction that sets the foundation for your Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer

Now it’s time for your cheesy base! In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, your Parmesan, both fresh herbs, minced garlic, the egg, and kosher salt (plus those red pepper flakes, if you like a little spice). This mixture is creamy, fragrant, and ready to become the dreamy middle layer of your Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna. It holds up beautifully after baking, thanks to the egg, and will fill your kitchen with a cheesy, herbal aroma.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Drain your can of diced tomatoes so things don’t get watery. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tomatoes with your jar of pizza sauce. This duo delivers a pizza-like intensity with some nice tomato texture—it’s the zippy backbone of your Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick mist with nonstick spray. Spread about half a cup of your sauce mixture across the bottom so nothing sticks. Now begin layering: Lay down 3 lasagna noodles, then a third of your pizza sauce. Dollop and spread half your ricotta mixture over the noodles, then scatter on half the cooked sausage. Sprinkle on half a cup of mozzarella and a third of your pepperoni slices—each layer is a cross-section of pizza and lasagna dreams. Repeat for one more layer, then finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of your sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your assembled Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna into a 375°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges, melted cheese, and a scent so inviting you’ll be counting down the minutes. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes when it comes out—this helps everything set up, so those layers stay bold and beautiful when you slice in.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh basil or oregano scattered over the top adds color and a bright, herbal pop. If you’re feeling indulgent, an extra dusting of Parmesan just before serving is never out of place. For a playful pizza-parlor vibe, shake on some red pepper flakes or even a little dried Italian seasoning.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna with a classic Caesar or a crisp green salad to balance all that cheesy richness. Garlic bread or pillowy breadsticks are perfect for swooping up every drop of sauce. A side of roasted veggies or a simple bowl of marinated olives rounds things out for a truly Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the lasagna into neat squares for a dinner party, or go family-style and let everyone serve themselves straight from the baking dish. For fun individual portions, try baking the assembled lasagna in mini loaf pans or ramekins. Want a dramatic touch? Garnish each plate with a little drizzle of basil oil or a pepperoni arranged in a flourish on top. Whether classic or playful, Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna holds up beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish (or transfer to airtight containers) and store for up to four days. The flavors meld together and it often tastes even better the next day! Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes well, too. You can freeze the whole casserole before baking—just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil—or portion into individual slices in freezer containers. When stored properly, Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna can stay delicious for up to three months. Label with the date so you don’t forget!

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for quick lunches, or bake the whole pan (covered) at 350°F until heated through—usually about 30 to 40 minutes if frozen, a bit less if just refrigerated. For a crisper top, uncover for the last few minutes. Every bite will taste as fresh and irresistible as the first day.

FAQs

Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna a day in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the lasagna in advance and cover tightly; refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Can I substitute other meats for the Italian sausage?

You sure can! Try cooked ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute if you prefer. Just make sure any protein is fully cooked and drained to avoid extra moisture in your lasagna.

What can I use instead of oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Regular lasagna sheets work too—just boil according to package instructions before layering. In a pinch, you might even use fresh pasta if you want a particularly tender texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite roasted vegetables, and use vegetarian pepperoni or simply omit the meat for a still-delicious, cheese-packed lasagna.

How do I prevent my Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain your canned tomatoes well and avoid extra-watery vegetables in the layers. Also, let the lasagna cool and set after baking—this helps everything hold together perfectly when you slice in.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something fun, familiar, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, Pepperoni Pizza Lasagna is your ticket. It brings the best of both worlds together in one crave-worthy, cheesy dish. Give it a go and watch it disappear—this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!