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Easy Pizza Casserole

Easy Pizza Casserole is a delightful dish that embodies all the comforting goodness of pizza in a warm, hearty casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (cooked and drained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt & pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef or sausage with the pizza sauce, cooked pasta, and pepperoni. Add in the chopped bell peppers and sliced mushrooms if desired. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the mixture.
Baking
  1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  3. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

To elevate this dish, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an enhanced flavor profile. For those who love a bit of kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add the perfect amount of heat. Don’t hesitate to mix and match toppings; olives and spinach can be wonderful additions based on your palate. If you have extra time, sauté the vegetables before adding them to enhance their flavors even more.