Best Pizza Casserole: A Fusion Feast!
Italian cuisine holds a special place in our hearts, conjuring images of creamy pastas, cheesy pizzas, and decadent risottos that captivate our taste buds. Despite our love for these flavors, our fast-paced lives often make it challenging to indulge in these elaborate dishes.
My Pizza Casserole recipe is a culinary savior, merging the soul-soothing elements of pizza and pasta into a simple, one-dish wonder. This dish is a quick route to satisfaction without the fuss, ideal for those evenings when time is scarce but the craving for Italian is strong.
What makes this casserole a standout? It’s a hearty homage to all things meaty and cheesy, boasting layers of ground meat, pepperoni, and bacon, under a blanket of melted cheese. Imagine pulling this golden, bubbling delight out of the oven after a long day.
It’s not just food; it’s a slice of comfort, warm and ready to please. Plus, with customizable options, you can throw in your favorite pizza toppings to tailor it exactly to your liking. Ready to dive into making this crowd-pleaser?
Preparation Time
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings
- Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground meat
- 1 16 oz. box of bow tie pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 26 oz. jar of pasta sauce
- 1 10 oz. can diced Italian-style tomatoes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 8 oz. package shredded Italian cheese blend
- Optional toppings: black olives, sausage, onions, green peppers
Directions
- Prep the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water seasoned with salt to a boil. Add the pasta but cook it just shy of al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package directions. This ensures it doesn’t overcook when baked.
- Cook the Meat: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground meat in a skillet until fully cooked; drain any excess grease.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pasta sauce to cover the bottom. Layer half the cooked pasta, half the remaining sauce, the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Build the Toppings: Add a layer of browned meat, then a layer of pepperoni slices. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and Italian cheese blend over this. Add another layer of pepperoni and any additional toppings you desire.
- Bake: Cover with the remaining cheeses and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve Hot: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving. Cut into squares and enjoy the melding of your favorite pizza and pasta flavors in every bite!