Pizza Casserole Recipe

Pizza casserole is a comforting, baked dish that combines the flavors of pizza with pasta. It’s typically made by layering cooked pasta with pizza sauce, cheese, and various toppings such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. The casserole is baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare.

Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Add the onion and green bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
6. Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. If using, add half of the pepperoni slices. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese and pepperoni.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Pizza Casserole! It’s a hit for both kids and adults.