Pizza Casserole Recipe

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.

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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!

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