This hearty Pizza Casserole combines all the delicious flavors of pizza into a comforting pasta dish. It’s perfect for family dinners and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 6 ounces pepperoni
• 3 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 28 ounces can of crushed tomatoes or 2 15-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Start by browning one pound of ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet, making sure to drain any grease.
Next, combine a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, one teaspoon of garlic salt, and one tablespoon of Italian seasoning with the cooked meat. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
While the sauce simmers, cook 16 ounces of penne pasta until it is firm but not fully cooked (al dente). Drain the pasta afterward.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, create layers using half of the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Then add half of the three cups of Mozzarella cheese and half of the six ounces of pepperoni.
Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Sprinkle a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until it turns golden brown and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to cool for five minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pizza Casserole!
Notes:
To give this Pizza Casserole a gluten-free twist, simply replace the regular penne pasta with your preferred gluten-free penne or pasta alternative. Make sure that all the other ingredients, such as seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and toppings like pepperoni, are certified gluten-free. This will allow you to relish every cheesy and savory mouthful of this comforting casserole without any concerns about gluten-related sensitivities. It’s a variation on a favorite that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
Calories: 500 | Total Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1200mg | Total Carbohydrates: 40g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 28g
Tips:
• Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
• For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.