This Pizza Casserole recipe transforms classic pizza flavors into a delicious pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or Italian Sausage, 1 pound
- Pepperoni, 6 ounces
- Mozzarella cheese, 3 cups
- Crushed tomatoes, one 28-ounce can or two 15-ounce cans
- Garlic salt, 1 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning, 1 tablespoon
- Penne pasta, 16 ounces
- Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup
Instructions:
Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Be sure to drain any excess grease once it’s fully cooked.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine the crushed tomatoes with garlic salt and Italian seasoning in a pot. Add the cooked meat to this sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Cook the Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta until it is al dente. Then, drain the pasta well.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start the assembly by layering half of the cooked penne pasta.
- Over the pasta, spread half of the meat sauce followed by half of the Mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Add the Final Touch:
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for five minutes before serving. This rest period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy your Pizza Casserole hot, with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that brings the pizzeria experience right to your dining table.
