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Pizza Casserole

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Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, hearty baked pasta dish that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza—sauce, cheese, meat, and toppings—in one comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s easy, customizable, and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms (optional toppings)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned and drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the pasta and meat sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  7. Spread half the pasta mixture in the baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  8. Add the remaining pasta, top with more cheese and desired toppings (pepperoni, olives, peppers, mushrooms, etc.).
  9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Use your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized flavor.
  • For extra gooey texture, mix some cheese into the pasta layers.
  • Cover with foil if the top starts browning too quickly.
  • This casserole freezes and reheats beautifully for easy meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pizza-casserole-2/