Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Pizza Pasta Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted cheese with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 5 cups rotini pasta (cooked al dente)
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup green peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup white onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 24 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
• 4 oz water
• 4 oz pepperoni
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bake the rotini pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package’s minimum baking time.
2. Step 2: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse well with cold water to stop cooking.
3. Step 3: Brown the Italian sausage and ground beef together in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Drain the cooked meat over an empty bowl to remove excess fat.
5. Step 5: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the onions and green peppers until tender.
6. Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, spaghetti sauce, browned meat, and sautéed vegetables.
7. Step 7: Dice all but 10 slices of pepperoni and stir into the mixture.
8. Step 8: Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: Arrange the remaining whole pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
11. Step 11: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version of the meat.
• Use your favorite pasta shape if rotini isn’t available; penne or rigatoni work well.
• Try mixing in some sliced black olives or mushrooms for added texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of pepperoni?

If you prefer, you can substitute other types of sliced sausage, cooked bacon, or omit the pepperoni altogether for a less spicy option.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

This pizza pasta casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining al dente rotini pasta with savory Italian sausage, ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, rich spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting meal that brings together the best of pizza and pasta in one easy casserole.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Pasta

• 5 cups rotini pasta (cooked al dente)

Meat

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 4 oz pepperoni

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1/2 cup green peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup white onions, diced
• 1 tbsp butter

Sauce & Liquids

• 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
• 4 oz water

Cheese

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil rotini pasta according to package instructions but cook for 1-2 minutes less than the minimum time to keep it al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Brown meats: In a skillet or pan, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef together, breaking up the meat until fully cooked. Drain the meat over a bowl to remove excess fat.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the now-empty meat pan, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions and green peppers until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, browned meat, sautéed vegetables, and 4 oz of water. Dice all but 10 slices of pepperoni and add these diced pieces into the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
5. Prepare casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Add cheese and pepperoni: Sprinkle the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then place the remaining 10 slices of pepperoni on top as a garnish.
7. Bake casserole: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the meat while browning.
• Make sure to drain the pasta well and rinse it to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy.
• You can substitute other pasta types such as penne or ziti if preferred.
• Use low-fat cheese or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Keywords: pizza pasta casserole, baked pasta, Italian sausage casserole, mozzarella pasta bake, comfort food casserole