Pizza Casserole
This is similar to many Baked Pasta dishes but with the distinct flavors of pizza. I created this recipe yesterday and took it to a dinner party as the main dish. It was a big hit and every woman there asked for the recipe. I decided that anything that popular should be posted here. You do not have to use the same kind of pasta I didbut should use a pasta which will remain slightly firm after boiling and baking so that it is not mushy. NOTE Ive had several people ask about when to add the spicesyou can either add them to the sauce or to the sausage when you cook it. Either way works great! Since this recipe is an original creation of mine, it tickles me so very much that lots of people are enjoying it! Thanks everyone!
This is similar to many Baked Pasta dishes but with the distinct flavors of pizza. I created this recipe yesterday and took it to a dinner party as the main dish. It was a big hit and every woman there asked for the recipe. I decided that anything that popular should be posted here. You do not have to use the same kind of pasta I didbut should use a pasta which will remain slightly firm after boiling and baking so that it is not mushy. NOTE Ive had several people ask about when to add the spicesyou can either add them to the sauce or to the sausage when you cook it. Either way works great! Since this recipe is an original creation of mine, it tickles me so very much that lots of people are enjoying it! Thanks everyone!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- 1 lb jimmy dean sausage 'country mild' (or other flavor if desired)
- 1 large onion medium size chopped (cooked with sausage)
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (i used bertolli's tomato & basil
- 1/2 lb cubed cooked ham
- 1/2-1 lb of sliced pepperoni
- 3 (8 ounce) bagsof shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
- Carbohydrate 33.2027090818711 g
- Cholesterol 98.656340475 mg
- Fat 18.7335679532295 g
- Fiber 0.406900006566278 g
- Protein 21.569291866853 g
- Saturated Fat 5.97329371795093 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving(s) (161g)
- Sodium 650.91431525622 mg
- Sugar 32.7958090753049 g
- Trans Fat 1.92062633000912 g
- Calories 393 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente.
- Cook sausage, garlic powder and oregano with onions until the juices run clear.
- In a lightly greased 9x13x3 inch pan, pour a small amount of sauce to lightly coat bottom.
- Layer ingredients in the order listed below.
- 1st layer-1/3 of the pasta, 1/3 remaining sauce, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese, sausage and onions.
- 2nd layer-1/2 of the remaining pasta, 1/2 remaining sauce, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese, ham.
- 3rd layer-all remaining pasta, all remaining sauce, 1 bag of mozzarella cheese, 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese, all the pepperoni (completely covering the entire top with pepperoni).
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
My Go-To Pizza Casserole: A Recipe That Always Impresses
As a busy working mom, I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Pizza Casserole fits the bill perfectly! It's a hearty, satisfying dish that's surprisingly simple to pull together. I first made it for a potluck, and let me tell you, it was a total hit. Everyone raved about the flavors, and I even had several requests for the recipe. That's when I knew I had to share it with the world.
The best part? It's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Don't like ham? Leave it out! Prefer a spicier sausage? Go for it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can even use leftover cooked chicken or vegetables to make it a complete meal.
One thing I've learned over the years is that the simplest recipes are often the best. This Pizza Casserole is a perfect example. It combines classic pizza flavors—rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, melty mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni—with the comforting texture of pasta. It's a truly satisfying dish that's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering.
The Secret to Success: Al Dente Pasta
The key to a truly fantastic Pizza Casserole is using pasta that's cooked al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Overcooked pasta will make the entire dish soggy. Once you've cooked your pasta, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the casserole. This will help to prevent a watery mess.
Layering is Key
Another tip for perfect pizza casserole is proper layering. Start with a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, create your layers, alternating between pasta, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. I like to finish with a generous layer of pepperoni on top for that extra pizza flavor. This layering technique ensures even cooking and a delicious, balanced casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza Casserole is a complete meal on its own. However, if you’re looking to add something extra, a simple side salad would pair perfectly. A light vinaigrette dressing would cut through the richness of the casserole and provide a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it with some garlic bread for dipping in the extra sauce.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, meats, and vegetables to create your own unique Pizza Casserole. Adding some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would add extra flavor and nutrients. Get creative and have fun with it!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a family favorite, and I know it will become one of yours, too. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
