🍕 PIZZA CASSEROLE (recipe below)
This easy-to-make Pizza Casserole combines all the best pizza flavors in a hearty, cheesy pasta dish—perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage, or plant-based ground meat)
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
For the Topping:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🧑🍳 Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Meat and Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or sausage) with diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until the meat is done and the veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Mix the Casserole:
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix everything well.
Assemble:
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using pepperoni, arrange the slices on top.
Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Garnish and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
⏰ Time & Serving Info:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Enjoy this cheesy, comforting Pizza Casserole that’s a crowd-pleaser every time! 🍝