Baked Pizza Casserole: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Pizza CasserolePhoto byRecipe Formula

Pizza Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a convenient, baked form.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pizza sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
6. Layer Casserole: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the pepperoni slices. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture, cheese, and pepperoni. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Conclusion:

This Pizza Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of pizza into a convenient, baked form. The combination of pasta, meat, cheese, and pizza sauce makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this easy-to-make casserole with your family and friends!

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Absolutely! Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q: Can I add other toppings? A: Yes, feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple.

Enjoy making and sharing this easy Pizza Casserole with your family and friends! 🍕🧀🍅