Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

For this pizza casserole recipe, you’ll need 8 ounces of cooked and drained rotini pasta, along with 1/2 pound of cooked ground Italian sausage. Add a tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, and 1 chopped green bell pepper for extra flavor. You’ll also want a cup of pepperoni slices, a 14-ounce jar of your favorite pizza sauce, and a generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to top it all off.

How to make Pizza Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. (Tip: Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.)

In a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced green bell pepper to the sausage. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Stir in the pepperoni slices, cooked pasta, and pizza sauce, mixing everything until well combined. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

After baking, customize with extra toppings like Parmesan cheese, sliced black olives, mushrooms, or chili flakes, if desired. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then serve with a side salad, green beans, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole Dinner

Are you trying to make a mouthwatering casserole but don’t have an ovenproof skillet like a cast-iron pan? Don’t fret! 

1. No Cast Iron Pan? No Problem! If you lack an ovenproof skillet, transfer your mix to a greased casserole or baking dish and pop it in the oven. It’s that simple!
2. Greasy Meat? Drain It! If you’re using greasy ground sausage or other proteins, don’t forget to drain any excess grease. It’s the secret to a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Go Meaty or Vegetarian: Whether you love Italian sausage, ground beef, or diced ham, this casserole is versatile. Just substitute to suit your taste. Love meat? Go for it! If you like this type of dish, you may also love lasagna hamburger helper – a family favorite!

Variations for Kid-Friendly Pizza Casserole

Trying to create a casserole that both kids and adults will adore? Here’s the secret: customization! From pasta choices to additional toppings, here’s how you can make this pizza casserole your own:

Start with the pasta. Different shapes bring their own vibe: bowtie pasta is both kid-approved and adds a touch of flair, penne is perfect for scooping up sauce and meat, and macaroni shells are great for cheese lovers, as the sauce fills every bite. Personally, I love using rotini since it grabs all those tasty ingredients for the perfect bite every time.

If you’re looking to sneak some veggies into this casserole, there are a few great options that blend right in and add extra flavor! I love adding mushrooms because they have that “meaty” texture kids barely notice. Olives bring a nice touch and have a little color, and spinach just wilts right into the sauce without anyone realizing it’s there.

Zucchini or yellow squash work well, too—they’re mild and soak up all the pizza flavors. These veggies mix in perfectly with the sausage, cheese, and sauce, so the kids will hardly notice but still get the goodness!

If sausage isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for ground chicken, beef, turkey, or even a meat substitute. And if you’re a cheese lover, feel free to mix in your favorites like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan. The extra cheese really makes this dish irresistible!

How to store leftover pizza casserole. 

• Cool It Down: Allow the leftover casserole to cool to room temperature. Leaving it out too long can create a breeding ground for bacteria, so aim to cool it within two hours.
• Choose Proper Containers: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap the casserole. This helps in preserving the flavor and preventing any contamination.