Name: Bubbling Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Rotini pasta; Pizza sauce; Pepperoni slices; Mozzarella cheese, shredded; Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled; Bell peppers, diced; Onions, diced; Black olives, sliced; Mushrooms, sliced; Italian seasoning

Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many households, but sometimes you might want to shake things up a bit. Enter the Bubbling Pizza Casserole—an easy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying twist on everyone’s favorite Italian dish. This casserole combines all the flavors you love in a pizza with the heartiness of a baked dinner, perfect for a comforting meal that the whole family will adore.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground sausage or ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can of pizza sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups cooked penne pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Extra toppings like mushrooms, diced ham, or cooked bacon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to warm up while you prepare the ingredients.

2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground sausage or beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Halfway through, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender. This not only cooks the meat but also builds a flavorful base for your casserole.

3. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the pizza sauce and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, adjusting the flavors to your liking.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce to evenly coat the noodles. This is your chance to add any extra pizza toppings you like, such as mushrooms or bacon.

5. Layer the Casserole: Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the pasta, then layer half of the pepperoni slices. Repeat with the remaining pasta, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Top with black olives if using.

6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

7. Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve. Slice and serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Conclusion:

The Bubbling Pizza Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a fun and different format. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with whatever toppings you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers or catering to various tastes. Whether it’s a laid-back family meal, a gathering with friends, or a hearty potluck contribution, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Dive into this cheesy, flavorful meal and watch it become a new staple in your recipe rotation.