Lasagna Pizza

8-10 lasagna noodles (or 8 non-cook)
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. Fennel seeds
1 pkg. (3.5 oz.) pepperoni
1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup bell peppers, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt to taste


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook lasagna noodles according to package.  Cook ground beef, drain very well.  Add fennel seeds and salt to taste.  In a 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray lay out 1/2 of the noodles.  Pour 1/2 of the spaghetti sauce over noodles.  Evenly add 1/2 of the ground beef, 1/2 the pepperoni, 1/2 the peppers and 1/2 the onion.  Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese.  Add a layer of the remaining noodles, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, pepperoni, peppers and onion.  Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.  Bake 35-40 minutes or until bubbly and cheese has melted.  Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.  Serves 6


Comments:  In one of my cookbooks I ran across a recipe for Pizza Casserole.  As I read the directions I had an idea to make a Lasagna Pizza.  My recipe is nothing like the original but it just goes to show you where ideas for great dishes do come from.  Also, this is a recipe that you can make your own.  You can use Italian sausage instead of the ground beef and fennel.  You can add any and all of your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bacon, ham, etc.  Plus, you can make this into a chicken and/or spinach Lasagna Pizza by using Alfredo sauce.  This is a good one to simply "Think With Your Taste Buds" while making.  (I don't normally use the non-cook lasagna but did when making this.  To me the non-cook is usually a little tougher than the type you boil but that was what I wanted for my 'pizza crust.')

Comment from Carol:  Wow!  No more troublesome pizza crust but all the goodies that come with pizza!  Love the fennel and flavors from the sauce.  The ground beef and pepperoni carry their own with the 2 layers of lasagna noodles.  This dish combines 2 of my favorites - pizza and lasagna - and takes the worry out of what to do about the crust!  It's one of those recipes that sets you to thinking about all of the variations you could make to the sauce and toppings.  Terrific!

Italian Beef and Spinach Casserole

3 cups medium noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar (18 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 cup sour cream
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)
1 cup shredded cheese

Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.  Cook noodles according to package.  Drain and set aside.  In a large skillet brown ground beef.  Drain off fat.  Stir in spaghetti sauce and garlic.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.  Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.  In a medium mixing bowl beat together the sour cream and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.  Stir in milk and onion.  In the casserole dish layer noodles, spinach, cream cheese mixture and meat mixture.  . 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cover casserole and bake about 45 minutes or until bubbly inside.  Uncover, sprinkle with cheese. Bake another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.  Great with a salad and garlic toast or garlic knots.

Comment:  This dish started out as a recipe I found online but ended up being changed quite a bit.  It was supposed to be layered with noodles, meat, spinach, cream cheese, noodles, and again meat.  I made it simple by making each one layer instead of two.  I also used a jar of spaghetti sauce (your choice of flavors) instead of all the cooked onions, tomatoes, peppers, etc.  I do know one thing.  This is easy to make and it sure came out good.  I think next time I may add some Italian sausage or use spaghetti sauce that has Italian sausage as one of it's ingredients.