Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for pizza lovers, offering all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a hearty, layered dish. With gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, flavorful meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this casserole brings everyone to the table for seconds. It’s the perfect combination of a pizza night and a baked pasta dish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
This dish stands out for its simplicity and versatility. The rich, tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs coats every piece of pasta, while layers of melted cheese and pepperoni deliver bursts of pizza goodness. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, Pizza Casserole is a satisfying and crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• All-in-One Meal: Combines the best elements of pizza and pasta in one delicious dish.
• Family Favorite: The layers of cheesy goodness and pepperoni make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep or assembling ahead of time for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 6 ounces pepperoni
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (or two 15-ounce cans)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 16 ounces penne pasta
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned.
2. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
1. Add the crushed tomatoes, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the cooked meat.
2. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
1. While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of half the cooked pasta.
3. Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Arrange half of the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
5. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Bake
1. Sprinkle the top layer with the Parmesan cheese.
2. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Finish Baking
1. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
1. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
• Customize Your Toppings: Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives to the layers for extra flavor.
• Cheese Options: Try mixing in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique twist.
• Cook Pasta to Al Dente: The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook it beforehand.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
Pizza Casserole is a cozy and indulgent dish that combines the flavors you love in a new, family-friendly format. Whether it’s for a weekday dinner or a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to please!
