Pizzagna

Indulge in the best of both worlds with Pizzagna, a delightful fusion of pizza and lasagna that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. This comforting dish combines layers of lasagna noodles with savory pasta sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, creating a mouthwatering meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, Pizzagna is perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients:

• 6 No Boil lasagna sheets
• 1 jar of preferred pasta sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup pepperoni slices
• ¾ cup Canadian bacon or cooked pizza sausage

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the delicious Pizzagna.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the Pizzagna from sticking to the dish during baking.
3. Prepare Pizza Toppings: Dice the pepperoni and Canadian bacon slices. Alternatively, you can use cooked sausage or any other preferred pizza topping to customize your Pizzagna.
4. Layering Process: Begin by pouring about half a cup of pasta sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a flavorful base for the Pizzagna.
5. Layer Lasagna Sheets: Place two No Boil lasagna sheets on top of the sauce in the baking dish, leaving a little space between them. The lasagna sheets will expand as they cook and absorb moisture from the sauce.
6. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spoon a thin layer of pasta sauce onto the lasagna sheets, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and the prepared pizza toppings.
7. Repeat Layers: Continue layering the Pizzagna by adding two more lasagna sheets on top of the cheese and toppings, followed by sauce, cheese, and toppings. Repeat this process until you have used all the lasagna sheets and toppings, finishing with a final layer of sauce, cheese, and meat.
8. Add Extra Sauce: Pour extra pasta sauce around the sides of the assembled Pizzagna to ensure that all sides of the lasagna sheets are covered with enough liquid for cooking.
9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven on a middle rack. Bake the Pizzagna covered for 35 minutes to allow the lasagna sheets to cook and the flavors to meld together.
10. Bake Uncovered: After 35 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and continue baking the Pizzagna uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Pizzagna from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes to allow it to set. Then, cut into portions and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• Ensure Adequate Moisture: Since No Boil lasagna sheets require plenty of moisture to cook properly, make sure to pour enough pasta sauce around and on top of the lasagna sheets to keep them moist during baking.
• Customize with Toppings: Feel free to customize your Pizzagna with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives, to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your preferences.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the Pizzagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed. This is a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining guests.