Pizza Casserole
This is one of my husbands favorite dishes. Most of the time I make it with pepperoni. Ive tried it once with Italian sausage when I didnt have pepperoni and it was pretty good. Not as good but both are nice to try. Darin likes salami so I tried it once with the pepperoni. I used 20 slices pepperoni and 8 slices salami since they are bigger. I personally didnt care for the taste with salami.
This is one of my husbands favorite dishes. Most of the time I make it with pepperoni. Ive tried it once with Italian sausage when I didnt have pepperoni and it was pretty good. Not as good but both are nice to try. Darin likes salami so I tried it once with the pepperoni. I used 20 slices pepperoni and 8 slices salami since they are bigger. I personally didnt care for the taste with salami.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Casserole Dish (454g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Add spaghetti sauce (I use 2 cans because we like it saucy) and diced tomatoes to a skillet and heat up on medium - when sauce starts to bubble turn down to low. If you want to use sausage, cook it first then add the sauce and tomatoes to it and keep on warm.
- Cook rotini pasta and drain.
- While pasta is cooking, if you are degreasing pepperoni, do that now (see directions below). This wont take all the fat out but it will at least cut down on the fat content. It also gives it more of a crispy taste (which I like). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour the cooked pasta into skillet with the sauce and stir. Leave on warm until pepperoni is done.
- If using the minis add them here or when pepperoni slices are cool enough to touch, tear them into 4 pieces and sprinkle them around in the sauce and then stir them in. Pour mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish and spread evenly. If you like you can add a few more pepperoni pieces or minis on top of dish.
- Then pour the package of grated cheese over the top and spread evenly over the dish. Bake @ 350' for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- To Degrease the Pepperoni:
- 2 ways to do this: Microwave or Oven
- 1 - Microwave Oven Lay at least 2 paper towels on a paper plate and then arrange 10 slices over the paper towels. Lay another paper towel or 2 over the pepperoni and cook for only 30 seconds. Repeat until all slices are cooked. Don't cook longer than 30 seconds or the pepperoni will get too hard. Let cool to touch then tear into 4 pieces. Tearing is easier than cutting after they are cooked.
- 2 - Preheat Oven to 300' put cooling rake on a cookie sheet and place 20 slices on top cooling rake. Make sure oven is preheated and it should only take 8 minutes to cook the pepperoni. Don’t over cook they will get to hard. Let cool to touch then tear slices into 4 triangular pieces.
My Family's Favorite Pizza Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that the whole family will enjoy. Pizza Casserole has become a staple in our house, a delicious and satisfying dish that's ready in under an hour. My husband, Darin, especially loves it, and it's a great way to use up leftover ingredients or get creative with different toppings.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While I usually make it with pepperoni (a classic!), I've experimented with Italian sausage and even salami. The sausage version was surprisingly tasty, offering a different flavor profile. The salami, however, wasn't quite as successful; Darin enjoyed it, but it wasn't my personal cup of tea. This recipe is a great starting point for experimentation – you can add your favorite meats, vegetables, or even different types of cheese to customize it to your liking. I’ve found that using a mixture of pepperoni and cheese, as originally intended, gives the best balanced flavor.
One tip I've learned along the way is to degrease the pepperoni. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it significantly reduces the fat content and gives the pepperoni a wonderfully crispy texture. I usually do this in the microwave using paper towels to absorb the grease. It's a simple but effective method that enhances the overall taste and keeps things a little lighter.
The casserole is also incredibly easy to prepare. You simply cook the pasta, prepare the sauce, combine everything in a casserole dish, top it with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. This dish is especially great for feeding a crowd. It can be easily doubled or even tripled for larger gatherings or for those who, like my husband, love extra leftovers!
The recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it accessible and budget-friendly. It’s a true testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. And the best part? The cleanup is a breeze! One pan, and most of the cooking is done in the same one. This is a significant bonus for those busy days when even the thought of washing dishes can feel overwhelming.
So, next time you're looking for a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly dinner option, give my Pizza Casserole recipe a try. You'll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is, and your family will thank you for it. I know my family certainly does!
Beyond the basics:
- Experiment with toppings! Mushrooms, onions, peppers—the possibilities are endless.
- Add some spice! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Make it vegetarian! Omit the meat and add extra vegetables.
- Use different cheeses! Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of your favorites would all work well.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition in our home. The aroma alone is enough to bring smiles to everyone’s faces, and the taste? Well, let’s just say it’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
