🍕 Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Base:
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
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½ onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese & Toppings:
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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20–25 slices pepperoni
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Optional extras: bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, bacon bits, jalapeños, or cooked sausage crumbles
Instructions
🔥 1. Cook the Pasta
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions (it will bake more later).
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Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
🍳 2. Make the Meat Sauce
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat until browned.
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Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
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Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt & pepper.
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Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
🧀 3. Assemble the Casserole
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In a large baking dish (9×13-inch):
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Add half the pasta.
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Pour half the meat sauce over it.
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Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
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Top with pepperoni and any other toppings you like.
🍽️ 4. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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For a golden top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end.
🌿 5. Serve
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
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Serve with garlic bread or a green salad.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Meat lovers: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or mini meatballs.
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Veggie style: Skip the meat and load up on bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach.
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Cheesier: Mix ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce for a creamy texture.
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Make-ahead: Assemble up to a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Would you like me to give you a low-carb “crustless” pizza casserole version (no pasta, just meat, sauce, and cheese)?
