Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake is the perfect combination of two comfort food favorites: pizza and lasagna. It’s an easy, hearty dish that brings the flavors of a classic pizza—tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and savory toppings—together with layers of tender pasta, all cooked in a single skillet. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or any time you want a dish that’s satisfying, cheesy, and full of flavor without requiring a ton of fuss.
The beauty of this skillet bake is its simplicity. Instead of making a traditional lasagna with multiple layers in a baking dish, this one-pot version allows you to cook everything on the stovetop. You get that comforting, baked lasagna texture with the flavors of a pizza, and cleanup is a breeze since you only need one pan.
To start, you’ll need basic pantry ingredients and a few fresh items. The key components are pasta, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Ground beef or Italian sausage works wonderfully if you want a meaty version. Vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach add freshness and flavor. The skillet method allows the pasta to cook in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and becoming tender without pre-boiling.
Begin by preparing the meat and vegetables. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and fully cooked. If you’re adding vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or peppers, sauté them in the same skillet until soft. This not only saves dishes but also allows the flavors to meld together. Once cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Next, stir in the pizza sauce and bring it to a simmer. The sauce should coat the meat and vegetables evenly, creating a flavorful base for the pasta. At this point, you can season the mixture with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to taste. This step ensures that every layer of pasta will have plenty of flavor.
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to add the pasta. Uncooked or no-boil lasagna noodles work best. Break them into pieces if necessary to fit your skillet. Stir the noodles into the sauce, making sure they are submerged. Add a small amount of water or broth to help the noodles cook evenly. Cover the skillet and let the pasta simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you use.
While the pasta is cooking, mix the ricotta or cottage cheese with a little shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. This creamy mixture will provide a rich, cheesy layer that contrasts beautifully with the tangy pizza sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked, spoon dollops of the cheese mixture over the top, then sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and any other toppings you enjoy. Pepperoni, olives, or fresh basil work particularly well. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for a few more minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and become bubbly. If you prefer a slightly browned top, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes under the broiler, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
The final result is a one-pot pizza lasagna that’s cheesy, savory, and comforting. Each bite combines tender pasta, flavorful meat and vegetables, and rich, melted cheese with the classic taste of pizza sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, and it reheats wonderfully for leftovers.
Serving this dish is simple. Use a spatula to scoop generous portions onto plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. You can make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding extra vegetables or using plant-based meat alternatives. You can experiment with different cheeses, sauces, or pasta shapes to suit your taste. The one-skillet method makes it forgiving and easy to customize, while still delivering all the flavors you love in traditional pizza and lasagna.
In addition to being a versatile and delicious dish, this skillet bake is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, and leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day, as the sauce continues to meld with the pasta and toppings.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting family meal, or a dish to bring to a potluck, Pizza Lasagna Skillet Bake delivers. It combines the best of pizza and lasagna in a simple, convenient, and utterly delicious way. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that tastes indulgent and satisfying, yet requires less time and cleanup than traditional baked lasagna.
This recipe proves that you don’t have to choose between pizza and lasagna—you can have the best of both worlds in one skillet. Gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and enjoy a cheesy, flavorful, and comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.