Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

✔ 1 lb (450g) pasta – penne, rotini, or ziti
✔ 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
✔ 1 small onion, diced
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 (24 oz) jar pizza or marinara sauce
✔ 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✔ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
✔ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔ 1 cup sliced pepperoni
✔ ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
✔ ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
✔ ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3️⃣ Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Sauce

4️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5️⃣ Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
6️⃣ Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
7️⃣ Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
8️⃣ Drain any excess grease from the pan.
9️⃣ Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
🔟 Simmer for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1️⃣1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
1️⃣2️⃣ In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce, mixing well.
1️⃣3️⃣ Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture.
1️⃣4️⃣ Layer with pepperoni slices, black olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using).
1️⃣5️⃣ Top with the remaining cheese and extra pepperoni slices.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1️⃣6️⃣ Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
1️⃣7️⃣ Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1️⃣8️⃣ Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
1️⃣9️⃣ Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2️⃣0️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Pizza Casserole! 🍕😋