Want to make pizza without making Pizza dough? Well, I have an irresistible pizza casserole recipe that will satisfy your cravings.
My recipe creatively combines two classic comfort foods – pizza and pasta – to create a flavourful and hearty dish that will satisfy and content you.
This delectable pizza recipe is packed with rich, cheesy goodness and savory toppings that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
The best part is you don’t have to go out of your house to gather exotic ingredients, as all the ingredients are readily available in your pantry.
This makes it an ideal option for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook or for those cozy gatherings where you want to whip up a quick and delicious meal for your loved ones.
Pizza Casserole Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 6 oz pepperoni
- 3 cups of shredded mozzarella
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (or 2 15 oz cans)
- 1 tsp of garlic salt
- 1 Tbsp of Italian seasoning
- 16 oz of penne pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Next, cook the ground beef until it is browned, and drain any excess grease.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the mixture, then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Mix everything well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- After boiling the pasta, could you remove it from the heat and drain it? Then, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour half of the cooked pasta into it.
- Place half of the meat mixture on top of the pasta.
- Spread half of the Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Put half of the pepperonis on the top.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover and bake for 30 min at 350°F.
- Uncover and bake for 15 min until it becomes golden.
- Let it set to cool for 5 minutes, and serve.
Storing Leftover Pizza Casserole
If you’re a pizza lover, you probably know the joy of indulging in a savory and cheesy pizza recipe. When you have leftovers or want to make a big batch in advance, freezing your pizza casserole is a practical solution.
Use an airtight container or heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap your casserole tightly. Place your pizza casserole in the freezer as soon as possible after it has cooled down.
Rapid freezing helps maintain the texture and flavor of your dish. Ideally, freeze it within 2 hours of cooking. You can keep Pizza Casserole in the refrigerator for up to five days and in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Reheating Your Frozen Pizza Casserole
Now that you’ve successfully frozen your pizza casserole, let’s discuss how to reheat it for a delicious meal.
Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish or reheat it in the oven at 325 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.
Topping Tips for the Perfect Pizza Casserole
Enhance your pizza casserole experience with these topping tips:
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for flavor.
- Extra Cheese: Don’t be shy with the cheese! Extra mozzarella or Parmesan can take your casserole to the next level.
- Crunchy Toppings: Try adding breadcrumbs or crushed croutons for a satisfying crunch.
- Veggies Galore: Load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to make it a healthier vegetable pizza.
Conclusion
This pizza casserole recipe brings the flavors of your favorite pizzeria right to your kitchen. Its layers of pasta, savory meat, veggies, and gooey cheese make it a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and savor the comforting taste of pizza in casserole form. Your taste buds will thank you!
