Pizza Lasagna Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Cook Lasagna Noodles:**
Cook lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. **Prepare Meat Sauce:**
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. **Prepare Ricotta Mixture:**
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

5. **Assemble Lasagna:**
– Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
– Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
– Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
– Layer with 1/3 of the pepperoni slices.
– Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, pepperoni).
– Top with the remaining three lasagna noodles.
– Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top.
– Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
– Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.

6. **Bake:**
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. **Serve:**
Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Enjoy your pizza lasagna, a delightful combination of two classic favorites!