Pizzagna Casserole: A Delicious Twist on Pizza and Lasagna

Introduction

As a lover of both pizza and lasagna, I am always on the lookout for new recipes that combine the best of both worlds. That’s when I discovered the mouthwatering Pizzagna Casserole. This delectable dish takes all the flavors of a classic pizza and layers them with the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to indulge in a comforting meal, Pizzagna Casserole is sure to impress. In this article, I will share with you my favorite recipe for Pizzagna Casserole, along with some tips and variations to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Pizzagna Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound ground Italian sausage

– 1 onion, diced

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

– 1 cup sliced mushrooms

– 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions

– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps by Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making Pizzagna Casserole:

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Layering the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread a layer of the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the noodles, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 3: Baking the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the Pizzagna Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Keto and Low Carb Variations

If you’re following a keto or low carb diet, you can still enjoy the irresistible flavors of Pizzagna Casserole with a few modifications:

Option 1: Zucchini Noodles

Replace the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini noodles. These low carb noodles will add a refreshing crunch to your Pizzagna Casserole while keeping it keto-friendly.

Option 2: Cauliflower Rice

Instead of using traditional lasagna noodles, substitute them with cauliflower rice. This low carb alternative is packed with nutrients and adds a delightful texture to the casserole.

Option 3: Portobello Mushroom Caps

If you want to skip the noodles altogether, portobello mushroom caps make an excellent base for your Pizzagna Casserole. Simply remove the stems and gills from the mushrooms, and layer the filling directly onto the caps.

Tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your Pizzagna Casserole experience:

– Experiment with different toppings such as sliced black olives, pepperoni, or fresh basil leaves.

– Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as spinach or roasted red peppers, to the filling.

– Make a big batch of Pizzagna Casserole and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.

Conclusion

Pizzagna Casserole is a delightful fusion of pizza and lasagna that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With its layers of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fragrant marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you follow the classic recipe or opt for keto and low carb variations, Pizzagna Casserole is a crowd-pleasing meal that brings comfort and joy to the table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the deliciousness of Pizzagna Casserole!