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Deluxe Pizza Casserole

Deluxe Pizza Casserole

Deluxe Pizza Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines all the best flavors of pizza into a hearty, baked casserole. Featuring layers of savory ground beef or sausage, zesty marinara sauce, al dente pasta, gooey mozzarella, and classic toppings like pepperoni and bell peppers, this casserole is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and family meals. Customize toppings and cheeses to your preference, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that reheats beautifully.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Sausage
  • 1 cup Sliced Bell Peppers
  • 1 cup Diced Onions
  • Optional: Mushrooms, Olives, Spinach, Zucchini (for vegetarian variation)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 oz Cooked Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 1 ½ cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • ¼ to ½ cup Pepperoni Slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Then, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened and fragrant. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  2. Combine Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat and vegetables. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for layering.
  4. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and add a layer of pepperoni slices. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese. Finally, top with Parmesan cheese to form a golden crust.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta prevents sogginess after baking.
  • Distribute toppings evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
  • If cheese browns too quickly, cover casserole loosely with foil to finish cooking.
  • Allow casserole to rest after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta and sauce)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: pizza casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked pasta, family meal, cheesy casserole