Description
Pizza Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly baked pasta dish loaded with Italian sausage, pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella and pepperoni for a comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or as a freezer-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a meatless version, substitute sausage with sautéed vegetables.
- Use your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
