Description
This cheesy Pizza Casserole recipe is a much loved classic comfort food turned into an easy kids favorite casserole. Packed with all the pizza flavors we love in layers of sauce, cheese, pepperoni, pasta and Italian sausage. Every bite of this crowd-pleasing gooey cheesy pasta pizza dish is satisfying and delicious!
Ingredients
16 ounces penne pasta
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir to coat pasta evenly.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
- Top with all 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage and reheating instructions:
Store leftovers using an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To freeze slightly undercook the pasta before assembly it. Let the dish to cool completely then wrap in a plastic wrap and foil then freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add a bit of liquid before reheating to prevent the past from drying out.
Reheat the whole dish using a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. You can add a splash of marinara sauce or broth if the pasta seems a bit dry.
Reheat single servings in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave using 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
