Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines the beloved flavors of pizza into a comforting baked pasta dish. Featuring penne pasta, Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted cheeses, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck meal that satisfies pizza cravings in a warm, cheesy form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 4 cups penne pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole does not stick.
- Cook the pasta. Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté vegetables. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Cook the sausage. Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add garlic and mushrooms. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms; cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Make the sauce. Pour in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble the casserole. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, then half of the sauce mixture. Top with half the pepperoni slices, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, pepperoni, and cheeses.
- Bake the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a fresh flavor and attractive presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey if preferred instead of Italian sausage.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.
- Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach can boost the nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
