🍕🧀 Pizza Casserole

A hearty, family-friendly dish that combines all the flavors of pizza in a warm, cheesy casserole.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional toppings: mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   • Brown the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet.
   • Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
   • Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
3. Assemble
   • Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
   • Spread half the mixture into a greased baking dish.
   • Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and some pepperoni.
   • Add the remaining pasta mixture.
   • Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.
4. Bake
   • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Add cooked mushrooms, peppers, or olives for a supreme-style casserole.
• Use shredded chicken instead of beef.
• Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6–8

🍕✨ Cheesy, saucy, and loaded with pizza flavor, this casserole is a comforting weeknight dinner that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.