Name: Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces of pasta (like rotini or penne); 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Transform your favorite pizza flavors into a hearty pasta bake with this Homemade Pizza Casserole recipe. It combines the comfort of baked pasta with the iconic toppings and flavors of a classic pizza. This easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit with everyone, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

3 ½ cups rotini pasta
½ pound ground beef
½ pound Italian sausage (hot or mild)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
½ onion, chopped
¼ cup shredded carrots
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
4 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional, 1 can)
28 ounces pizza sauce (2 jars)
1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
½ cup pepperoni slices

Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Large frying pan

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions but subtract one minute from the cooking time for an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the cooked meat to a bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pan, using the drippings from the meat (or add a little oil if needed), sauté the onions, carrots, and green peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked meat back to the pan along with the mushrooms if using. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta and pizza sauce to the pan, tossing everything together until well mixed.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle with shredded Colby jack cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese has melted.

Becky’s Tips

Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestion: Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Variations: Feel free to add other pizza toppings like olives, diced bell peppers, or even some crushed red pepper for extra spice.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 394 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 64mg
Sodium: 1110mg
Potassium: 656mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 1158IU
Vitamin C: 16mg
Calcium: 137mg
Iron: 3mg

Conclusion

This Pizza Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining all the flavors you love in a comforting baked pasta dish. It's perfect for those evenings when you crave something cheesy and satisfying. Enjoy this delicious blend of pasta and pizza in one mouth-watering casserole!