Pizza Casserole
Try this Pizza Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pizza Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 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)
- 1/2 lb cubed cooked ham
- 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce (i used bertolli's tomato & basil)
- 1/2-1 lb of sliced pepperoni
- 3 (8 ounce) bagsof shredded mozzarella cheese
- Carbohydrate 31.4514590818711 g
- Cholesterol 98.656340475 mg
- Fat 18.7148179532295 g
- Fiber 0.0881499976255817 g
- Protein 21.363041866853 g
- Saturated Fat 5.96541871795093 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 Units US (142g)
- Sodium 650.16431525622 mg
- Sugar 31.3633090842456 g
- Trans Fat 1.91537633000912 g
- Calories 386 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.
Pizza Casserole: A Weeknight Wonder
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, school runs, meetings, and the ever-present challenge of putting a delicious and satisfying meal on the table. There's rarely enough time for elaborate cooking, and honestly, sometimes the simplest dishes are the most appreciated. This Pizza Casserole is my go-to recipe on those crazy, hectic evenings. It's a crowd-pleaser, adaptable to what I have on hand, and incredibly easy to prepare.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s essentially a deconstructed pizza baked in a casserole dish, maximizing efficiency and minimizing cleanup. I love using bowtie pasta – it holds the sauce beautifully, but any short pasta will work. The sausage and onions provide a savory base, while the ham adds another layer of flavor. And of course, no pizza is complete without a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese! The pepperoni on top gives it that quintessential pizza crunch and visual appeal. My kids absolutely adore it – it's comfort food elevated.
I often adapt the recipe based on what's in my pantry or what my family is craving. Sometimes I add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables. Other times, I'll swap the ham for leftover chicken or even ground beef. The sauce is also easily customized – I often experiment with different brands or even make my own from scratch if I have the time. The point is, this recipe is a blank canvas; feel free to get creative and make it your own.
Preparing the Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide (Without the Detailed Steps)
The preparation itself is remarkably quick. It starts with cooking the pasta and then sautéing the sausage, onions, garlic, and oregano. It's important to cook the sausage until it’s fully browned and the juices run clear, ensuring it's cooked through for food safety. Then the fun part begins: layering. It's a simple process of building the layers in the casserole dish. I find the order mentioned in the original recipe works best. Ending with a generous layer of pepperoni ensures every bite has that satisfying pizza taste.
Baking and Serving the Delight
Once the casserole is assembled, it’s simply a matter of baking it in a preheated oven until it's bubbly and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible, promising a comforting meal for your family. I usually let it sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven – it allows the cheese to set slightly, and it’s easier to serve. This Pizza Casserole can be served immediately, but it’s also great for leftovers, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Beyond the Weeknight: Pizza Casserole for Every Occasion
This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights. It's a versatile dish perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple family dinner. Its kid-friendly nature makes it a guaranteed hit with younger eaters. The recipe easily scales up or down, making it adaptable to the size of your gathering. For larger groups, simply increase the quantities of ingredients proportionally.
This Pizza Casserole has become a staple in my home. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. It's quick, easy, flavorful, and consistently pleases everyone around the table. So, the next time you’re short on time but craving a comforting and flavorful meal, give this Pizza Casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Variations and Tips for Success:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a little kick.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese lover's delight: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make it your own: Add any of your favorite pizza toppings – olives, jalapeños, fresh basil, etc.
- Leftover magic: Use leftover cooked chicken, ground beef, or vegetables to customize the casserole.
This Pizza Casserole recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food that brings family and friends together. Enjoy!
