Italian Pancake Lasagna Casserole

Are you looking for a cozy and delicious dish that will wow your family and friends? This Italian Pancake Lasagna Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of comfort food and Italian flavors. Layers of fluffy pancakes, savory tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and flavorful sausage come together to create a mouthwatering meal that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Let’s dive into creating this delightful dish that is sure to impress your loved ones!

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1 ½ cups milk
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and well combined. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the skillet, swirling it around to form a thin pancake. Cook the pancake for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter to make approximately 8 pancakes. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. To assemble the casserole, place a layer of pancakes at the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Top with half of the sausage and tomato sauce mixture, spreading it evenly over the pancakes. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Repeat with another layer of pancakes, the remaining sausage and tomato sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy the cozy blend of Italian flavors in every bite!

Experience the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal with this Italian Pancake Lasagna Casserole recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will surely become a favorite for its unique twist on traditional lasagna. Give it a try and savor the layers of deliciousness packed into each serving!