Description
This hearty Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the comfort of a pasta bake. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy casserole is a crowd-pleaser with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (reserve half for topping)
- Optional: sliced black olives, diced green peppers, or mushrooms
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the pepperoni.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Pour into a baking dish.
- Top and bake: Add remaining mozzarella and pepperoni slices on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
