Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting meal that marries two beloved dishes, this easy pizza pasta casserole is your answer. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that fuse together the best of pizza and pasta into one hearty dish. Packed with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Growing up, family dinners were something special in our household. My mom had a knack for taking standard recipes and turning them into an event. This dish evolved from such inventive dinners. Mom would combine leftovers and fresh ingredients, creating a meal that was new yet comfortingly familiar. Over the years, I’ve added my own twist to it, and every time I prepare it, I’m reminded of those warm, laughter-filled evenings in our family kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with whatever toppings you love, just like a pizza. Secondly, it’s straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short. Plus, it combines the beloved elements of both pizza and pasta, ensuring affection from even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility regarding ingredients. For the pasta base, opt for penne or rotini as they hold sauce well. When sourcing cheese, aim for a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect melt and flavor balance. Top it with classic pepperoni or explore options like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. You can substitute the meat with your preferred protein, whether it’s chicken or a plant-based alternative.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chosen protein until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add your favorite pizza sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Combine the pasta and sauce in a large mixing bowl, stirring until the pasta is well-coated. Add in half the cheese and stir again until the cheese is melted and fully integrated.
Step 4
Transfer the mix into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and arrange your favorite toppings evenly across the top.
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Step 5
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Options
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or Parmesan, for an alternative flavor. Swap out the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit dietary needs. For a veggie-rich version, add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or artichokes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks—just watch it disappear!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to a day before you’re ready to bake it. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping.
What if my family doesn’t like spicy food? You can easily adjust the level of spice by selecting mild Italian sausage or omitting any spicy toppings. Feel free to add a layer of extra cheese to balance the flavors if your family prefers milder dishes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Certainly! Simply skip the meat or use plant-based sausage or crumbles. You can enhance the vegetable content with ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers or create a new family tradition, this easy and delicious dish brings both joy and nourishment to the table. Enjoy every mouthful of this pizza-pasta fusion that’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
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Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta uncooked
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup pepperoni slices
- 0.5 cup bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 cup onion chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook onion and bell pepper until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with the beef mixture.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, combine pasta and beef mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
