Pizza Casserole is a family favorite that combines all the cheesy, saucy flavors of pizza in one hearty, baked dish. It’s packed with pasta, melted cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings — a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to make and great for weeknights or potlucks.
1. Cooking Time: 45 minutes
2. Serving: 6 servings
3. Ingredients:
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12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work best)
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1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup sliced pepperoni
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½ cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
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½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
4. Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat.
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Add sauce: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
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Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni slices, and any optional toppings.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
5. Nutrition (per serving):
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 6g
6. Tips:
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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You can mix in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies.
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Use different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a flavor twist.
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Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Leftovers reheat well — great for next-day lunches.
