Pizza Casserole Recipe
Pizza Casserole is a hearty baked pasta dish that combines all the classic flavors of pizza with rich sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- Penne, rotini, or rigatoni pasta
- Pizza sauce
- Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked (optional)
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Onion, diced
- Bell pepper, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Black olives, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain well.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic until softened.
- Stir the cooked vegetables into the pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and the cooked sausage or ground beef, if using.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta, then repeat the layers.
- Arrange the pepperoni and any additional pizza toppings over the top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
- Substitute cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or bacon for traditional pizza toppings.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot honey for extra flavor.
- Try provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a different cheese blend.
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pizza-casserole-recipe/
