This pizza casserole is a quick and easy dish that combines all the flavors of pizza into a comforting and cheesy bake. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. You can customize the toppings to your liking, making it a versatile and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
- Crust/Base:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) package pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or ziti work well), cooked al dente
- Toppings (Adjust to your preference!):
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage (or ground beef), onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain well.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and any of your chosen toppings (pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, etc.). Mix well.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Notes:
- Meat Variation: Use ground beef or a combination of Italian sausage and ground beef for the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use more vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
- Topping Customization: Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as pineapple, ham, or different types of peppers.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use other types of pasta, such as bowties or rigatoni.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Pizza Casserole!