Baked Pizza Casserole
Baked Pizza Casserole is a fun and delicious meal that brings the flavors of pizza into a cozy casserole. It is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Everyone will love this cheesy, meaty dish!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Baked Pizza Casserole is a great choice because it combines your favorite pizza toppings in a simple, one-dish meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights and can feed a crowd. Plus, kids love it!
How to Make Baked Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cups pizza marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni, black olives, pizza marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Baked Pizza Casserole
Serve the casserole hot from the oven. You can add some extra pepperoni or crushed red pepper on top for more flavor. It goes well with a simple salad or garlic bread.
How to Store Baked Pizza Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, just warm it in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Baked Pizza Casserole
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
- Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or different types of cheese to change it up.
- Grease your baking dish well to make sure it doesn’t stick.
Variation (If Any)
You can make this casserole vegetarian by using a meat substitute or just extra vegetables. You can also swap out the marinara sauce for pesto for a different flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli. -
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
You can use regular marinara sauce or any tomato-based sauce instead. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when you're ready to serve.
Enjoy making this tasty Baked Pizza Casserole! It's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Baked Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cups pizza marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned.
- Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni, black olives, pizza marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
