Pizza Casserole: A Comforting, Cheesy Twist on Classic Pizza
If you love pizza but want to switch things up, this Pizza Casserole is a must-try! It brings together all the delicious flavors of a pizza in a comforting, baked pasta dish. From the gooey cheese to the pepperoni and your favorite toppings, every bite of this casserole delivers that familiar pizza taste with a hearty, satisfying twist. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Bringing the Best of Pizza to a Casserole
This recipe combines tender pasta, seasoned ground meat, flavorful pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses with your favorite pizza toppings, all baked together in one pan. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and so simple to make. Whether you stick with classic pizza ingredients or get creative with your toppings, this casserole is endlessly customizable and fun to prepare.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Serving: 6-8 people
- Equipment: 9×13×3 inch baking dish
Recipe Title: Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 (16 oz) box bow tie pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 (26 oz) jar pasta sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced Italian-style tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Italian cheese blend
- Optional toppings: black olives, sausage, onions, green peppers, bacon bits, etc.
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water with salt. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a separate frying pan, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13×3 inch baking dish. Pour a small amount of pasta sauce into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly to lightly coat the surface.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add a layer of the cooked pasta to the dish. Pour half of the remaining pasta sauce over the pasta, followed by the can of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, and salt over the top. Layer the cooked ground meat on top of the pasta.
- Add Pepperoni and Cheese: Layer half of the pepperoni slices over the meat, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and shredded Italian cheese. Add another layer of pepperoni on top for extra flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Add any additional pizza toppings you enjoy, such as black olives, onions, green peppers, sausage, or bacon bits.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy all the cheesy, pizza-inspired goodness!
A Cheesy, Hearty Pizza Experience
This Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of pizza with the heartiness of pasta. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this casserole will deliver all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic pizza in a fun, baked form. Enjoy!
