Description
Pizza Pasta Casserole is a delightful fusion dish combining the flavors of classic pizza with hearty pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni. This comforting Italian-American casserole is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- Optional toppings: black olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking and breaking it apart until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Next, layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheeses. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer. Add optional toppings if desired.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt evenly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni for better coverage or turkey pepperoni for a lighter version.
- This casserole can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Great for freezing—simply assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw before baking as instructed.
