Irresistible Pizza Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of bubbling cheese mingled with savory meats and zesty tomatoes wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. This pizza casserole is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Picture this: you’re gathered around the dinner table with friends, laughter echoing as you serve up slices of cheesy goodness. Each bite bursts with flavor, transporting you back to carefree childhood days spent devouring pizza on Friday nights. Get ready for an experience that will leave everyone smiling and asking for seconds.

I once made this pizza casserole for a potluck, and it disappeared faster than I could say “extra cheese.” Everyone was raving about it for weeks!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Pasta: Use rotini or penne; these shapes hold sauce well and add a delightful texture.

• Pizza Sauce: Opt for your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade for an extra kick.

• Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar creates the perfect melty topping.

• Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers add color and crunch; feel free to mix colors for visual appeal.

• Onions: Sautéed onions provide sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.

• Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile effortlessly.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté vegetables and add richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make pizza casserole

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup later.

Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and toss in diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they soften and turn fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat for a leaner dish.

Add Pasta and Sauce: Stir in cooked pasta and pizza sauce into the meat mixture until everything is well combined. The aroma will start drawing everyone into the kitchen!

Layer with Cheese: Transfer half of the mixture into your baking dish, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top, then layer on the remaining mixture followed by more cheese on top—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?

Bake It Up!: Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving—if you can resist that long!

This pizza casserole is bound to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning your ground meat while preparing your casserole dish. Simultaneously, cook your pasta al dente to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out meats or add veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that gooey goodness!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.

Creating this pizza casserole reminds me of the first time I made it for my friends. They were so impressed that they asked for seconds—and thirds!

FAQ

Can I use different types of pasta in my pizza casserole?

Absolutely! Penne or rotini work wonderfully as they hold sauce and toppings well.

What can I do if I want a vegetarian pizza casserole?

Simply replace meat with your favorite vegetables and load up on cheese!

How can I make my pizza casserole spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level!

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Pizza Casserole

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This cheesy pizza casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With layers of savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheese, it combines all the flavors you love about pizza into one delicious dish. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in cooked rotini pasta and pizza sauce until well combined.
5. Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish, top with half of the cheese, add remaining mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add mushrooms or olives for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.