Description
Homemade pizza casserole delivers classic Italian comfort with layers of cheesy pasta, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce. Melted mozzarella and crispy edges create a delightful meal that pulls familiar pizza flavors into a hearty, satisfying casserole you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- ¼ cup (60 grams) pepperoni, divided
Pasta and Cheese:
- 3 cups (270 grams) rotini pasta (measured before cooking)
- 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, divided
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
- 14 ounces (397 grams) jar pizza sauce (or substitute with pasta sauce)
- ¾ cup (177 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Boil of rotini pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve to the side.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown of ground beef, systematically breaking meat into fine crumbles using a wooden spatula. Incorporate finely diced onions, crushed garlic cloves, and Italian seasoning blend, stirring continuously until vegetables soften and become translucent. Eliminate excess fat from the skillet.
- Calibrate the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a rectangular baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Blend pizza sauce, warm water, cooked pasta, seasoned meat mixture, of shredded mozzarella cheese, and half the pepperoni slices in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Distribute the combined mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Garnish the surface with remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil protection and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help ingredients settle and enhance flavor profile. Slice and serve piping hot.
Notes
- Customize your pizza casserole by swapping ground beef with Italian sausage or turkey for a unique flavor twist.
- Elevate the dish’s nutrition by mixing in colorful bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend to create your signature taste profile.
- Prepare this meal ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by reheating individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg