Easy Pizza Casserole

Easy Pizza Casserole

Easy Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together at the dinner table. This delightful dish is a hearty blend of savory ground beef or Italian sausage, zesty pizza sauce, tender pasta, and a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese. The combination of familiar pizza flavors packed into a convenient casserole makes it an irresistible meal for families and friends alike. Whipping up this treasure is a breeze with minimal prep required—perfect for busy weeknights! Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Easy Pizza Casserole. First, it’s super simple to prepare, making it the perfect dish for cooks of all skill levels. The quick assembly means you can have a hot, delicious meal on the table in no time, allowing for more moments to bond with loved ones. It’s also incredibly family-friendly, packed with flavors and ingredients that even the pickiest eaters will devour. Plus, it requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. What’s not to love about this delightful dish?

Ingredients for Easy Pizza Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (cooked and drained): Tender, flavorful base meat that adds protein to your dish.
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce: Rich and zesty, providing that classic pizza flavor we all adore.
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well): Al dente pasta that brings heartiness to every bite.
• 1 cup pepperoni slices: Savory and slightly spicy, these classic pizza toppings are a fan favorite.
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (optional): Fresh and vibrant, they add a pop of color and flavor.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional): Earthy and rich, these provide additional texture and taste.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey, this is the crowning glory of your casserole.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuse your casserole with aromatic flavors.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Pizza Casserole

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the perfect cooking environment for your casserole.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef or sausage with the pizza sauce, cooked pasta, pepperoni slices, bell peppers, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Now, pour the flavorful mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly, so every bite is packed with goodness.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. This is where the magic happens, with cheese becoming beautifully melted and bubbly as it cooks.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese reaches that irresistible, golden-brown perfection.

Lastly, allow the casserole to cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy the satisfied smiles around the table as everyone digs in!

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, use a good quality pizza sauce to enhance the overall flavor of your casserole. You can also customize your dish by adding extra toppings, like olives or fresh basil, to cater to your family’s preferences. If you have any leftover ingredients sitting in your fridge, don’t hesitate to throw them in!

Consider browning the meat with chopped onions and garlic beforehand to boost flavor. For an extra crunchy texture, you can even sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

And remember, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked pasta to cut down on prep.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To elevate your Easy Pizza Casserole experience, serve it alongside a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. A simple side of garlic bread can also complement the dish beautifully—perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

For drinks, go for a bubbly soda or homemade lemonade to wash down your meal. If you want something warm, a hearty soup can be a wonderful starter.

For an added touch, garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese upon serving.

Nutritional Information

Easy Pizza Casserole is not just delicious; it also provides a nutritious meal in one dish. While variations exist based on ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving may have approximately 500 calories. It offers a balanced mix of protein from the meat and cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the peppers and mushrooms. It’s an indulgent yet hearty option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings without the need for additional side dishes.

Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Pizza Casserole

To keep your Easy Pizza Casserole fresh for days, you can easily store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the casserole before baking. Simply wrap the assembled dish tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, allowing extra time for baking.

For lighter variations, consider swapping out the pasta for zucchini noodles or using ground turkey in place of beef. You can also explore different cheese options, like cheddar or a cheese blend for unique flavors.

Conclusion for Easy Pizza Casserole

Now that you know all about Easy Pizza Casserole, it’s time to whip up this flavorful dish that guarantees satisfaction with every bite. With its enticing aroma and bubbling cheese, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, and try this delectable recipe tonight—you won’t regret it!

FAQs

1. Can I make Easy Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it before serving.

2. What kind of pasta can I use?
Penne and rotini work best, but you can use any pasta shape you like, even gluten-free options.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute like crumbled tofu or lentils.

4. How do I know when it’s done?
It’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.

5. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure that your pizza sauce is dairy-free as well.

Easy Pizza Casserole

A hearty blend of savory meat, zesty sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, this Easy Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for families.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (cooked and drained) Tender, flavorful base meat that adds protein to your dish.
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce Rich and zesty, providing that classic pizza flavor we all adore.
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) Al dente pasta that brings heartiness to every bite.
• 1 cup pepperoni slices Savory and slightly spicy, these classic pizza toppings are a fan favorite.
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (optional) Fresh and vibrant, they add a pop of color and flavor.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional) Earthy and rich, these provide additional texture and taste.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melty and gooey, this is the crowning glory of your casserole.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that infuse your casserole with aromatic flavors.
• to taste Salt & pepper Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef or sausage with the pizza sauce, cooked pasta, pepperoni slices, bell peppers, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Cooking

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden-brown.
3. Allow the casserole to cool for a few moments before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a good quality pizza sauce. Customize with additional toppings like olives or fresh basil. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.