Pizza Casserole
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8
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Calories
654 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pizza Casserole
Description
This Pizza Casserole recipe starts by cooking penne pasta and browning ground beef and pork sausage to create a savory meat base. Combined with sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, black olives, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, dried oregano, and marinara sauce, the mixture imitates classic pizza toppings distributed throughout tender pasta.
The casserole is assembled in a 9x13-inch pan, layered with shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then baked at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbling, forming a flavorful cheesy crust. The dish offers a comforting texture combining al dente pasta and a savory meaty sauce infused with herbs and pizza flavors.
This baked dish serves well as a main course for family meals or casual gatherings. It can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Additionally, it is freezer-friendly when assembled and covered with foil; thaw completely before baking. Adding extra sauce before freezing helps maintain moisture after thawing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1/2 pound pork sausage (I prefer Jimmy Deans)
- 4 ounces pepperoni
- 1/2 green bell pepper , chopped
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 can mushroom optional, sliced
- 1 small can black olive sliced
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce or homemade pizza sauce, pasta sauce
- 1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove grease.
- Combine: Add cooked meat to a large mixing bowl. Add pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic, mushroom and olives. Add noodles and pasta sauce then toss to combine.
- Bake: Pour mixture into a greased 9x13'' pan. Sprinkle 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top, (depending on how much cheese you like). Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Notes
- You can assemble the casserole ahead, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready.
- For freezing, use a freezer-safe dish and cover with double foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for best results.
- Add extra sauce before freezing, as pasta tends to absorb moisture during freezing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 654 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 654kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1807mg | 75% |
| Potassium | 729mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 762IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 197mg | 20% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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