There’s something enchanted around a bubbling, tacky casserole new from the stove — that brilliant outside, the scent of oregano, and the liquid cheese extending with each scoop. Presently, envision combining that consolation with the strong, powerful flavor of pizza. That’s what this formula for pizza casserole conveys — the best of both worlds.
I to begin with bumbled upon this dish a long time prior whereas looking for a way to rehash extra pizza garnishes. Over time, I refined it into a formula that’s healthy sufficient for a family supper, however straightforward sufficient for a weeknight treat. It’s basically pizza deconstructed and prepared into a cozy casserole, with layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and fixings all dissolving together in one great bite.
If you adore Italian flavors but need a fun bend on the conventional pizza night, this pizza casserole formula will hit each note — savory, insolent, tacky, and absolutely satisfying.
🧾 Fixings and Measurements
Here’s everything you’ll require for this comforting pizza casserole formula. These amounts make sufficient for 4–6 liberal servings:
Ingredient Measurement
Penne or rotini pasta 12 oz (approximately 3 cups)
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Ground Italian frankfurter (or beef) 1 lb
Onion, finely chopped 1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced 3
Pizza sauce (or marinara) 2 cups
Tomato paste 2 tbsp
Italian seasoning 2 tsp
Crushed ruddy pepper drops (optional) ½ tsp
Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated ½ cup
Pepperoni slices 20–25 pieces
Bell peppers, diced 1
Black olives, sliced ½ cup
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish) As needed
Salt & dark pepper To taste
💡 Professional Tip: You can customize this base with your favorite garnishes — mushrooms, bacon, or indeed jalapeños. The magnificence of this casserole is its flexibility!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your stove to 375°F (190°C). Softly oil a 9×13-inch heating dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a huge pot of salted bubbling water, cook the pasta until fair al dente (firm to the nibble). Don’t overcook — it’ll proceed preparing in the broiler. Deplete and sprinkle a small olive oil to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium warm. Include the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Mix in the garlic, at that point include the Italian wiener (or ground hamburger). Cook until browned and crumbly.
Once the meat is cooked, blend in the pizza sauce, tomato glue, Italian flavoring, salt, pepper, and ruddy pepper pieces. Let it stew for approximately 5–7 minutes until thick and aromatic.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a expansive bowl, blend the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Make beyond any doubt each piece of pasta is coated with that wealthy, tomatoey goodness.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Pour half the pasta blend into your arranged heating dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan on beat. Include a few pepperoni, olives, and peppers.
Then, pour the rest of the pasta blend, taken after by the remaining cheese and fixings. Make beyond any doubt the best is completely secured — that’s where the enchantment happens!
Step 6: Heat to Perfection
Bake revealed for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and brilliant brown.
If you need a crispier beat, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes — fair keep a near eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your pizza casserole rest for 5 minutes some time recently serving. Decorate with new basil or parsley and serve warm with a side of garlic bread or salad.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Family Supper: Match this casserole with a fresh Caesar serving of mixed greens and a chilled glass of ruddy wine.
Game Night: Serve in little ramekins for a fun, shareable meal.
Kid-Friendly Turn: Include additional cheese and scaled down pepperoni — a ensured hit!
🧀 Tips & Traps for the Idealize Pizza Casserole
Use high-quality cheese. Naturally destroyed mozzarella dissolves more flawlessly than pre-packaged versions.
Don’t overcook your pasta. Keep in mind, it will keep cooking as the casserole bakes.
Go strong with garnishes. This dish can handle layers of flavor — think simmered veggies, firm bacon, or indeed a sprinkle of pesto.
Make it vegan. Skip the meat and stack up with mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Freeze it! This pizza casserole solidifies perfectly. Store scraps in an air proof holder for up to 3 months.
🍕 Varieties You’ll Love
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: The classic — fair pepperoni, sauce, and cheese.
Meat Lover’s Casserole: Include frankfurter, bacon, and ground meat for a protein-packed version.
Veggie Preeminent: Layer simmered vegetables like chime peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach.
Four Cheese Pizza Casserole: Combine mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and parmesan for additional gooey goodness.
Low-Carb Form: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make pizza casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Amass the casserole, cover it firmly with thwart, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours some time recently preparing. When prepared, fair pop it in the stove — you may require to include 10 additional minutes of heating time.
Q2: What’s the best pasta to utilize for pizza casserole?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best since it holds sauce and garnishes beautifully.
Q3: Can I utilize store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, but attempt to select one with genuine tomato flavor and negligible sugar. You can moreover make your claim with pulverized tomatoes, olive oil, and Italian herbs.
Q4: How do I make it additional corny like restaurant-style pizza?
Layer cheese not fair on beat, but all through the casserole. Blend a small destroyed mozzarella into the pasta some time recently preparing for additional meltiness.
Q5: How do I warm leftovers?
Reheat in the broiler at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. For littler parcels, microwave for 1–2 minutes with a sprinkle of water to keep it moist.
❤️ Last Thoughts
There’s something profoundly comforting around a dish that combines two of life’s most prominent delights: pizza and pasta. This formula for pizza casserole is everything I cherish almost Italian consolation nourishment — wealthy, tacky, and bursting with flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the smell of bubbling cheese and tomato sauce, that makes everybody assemble around the table a small quicker. And the best portion? It’s perpetually customizable.
Whether you’re cooking for family, engaging companions, or fair reveling in a few end of the week consolation, this pizza casserole conveys each time.
So get your heating dish, preheat that stove, and let’s make today a pizza party — casserole-style!
See Also: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe – Make Perfect Italian Pizza at Home
