Pizza Casserole Like Pizza but Easier
look into into the Best Pizza Casserole Ever
Ever get that craving for pizza but feel way too lazy to deal with dough? Same here! That's where my recipe for the Best Pizza Casserole Ever comes in.
This dish is pure comfort food with a fun twist.
What's This Casserole All About?
This cheesy pizza casserole dinner takes the flavors of your favorite pizza and transforms them into an easy, baked casserole.
It's inspired by Italian American traditions, bringing a taste of home to your table. It is super easy. Prep takes about 20 minutes.
Cook time is around 30 minutes. It makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry people. Think of it as a pizza hot dish recipe , perfect for the family.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Pizza Casserole
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver. It's packed with protein and is ideal for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic weeknight pizza casserole meal.
Seriously, this easy pizza casserole recipe is pure joy. It's the ultimate comfort food! What makes it special? It's so customizable.
Add your fave toppings. Mix up the cheeses. Make it your own. This Pizza Pasta Bake will be the best you've ever had.
Let's talk ingredients.
First, grab a pound of ground beef. Next, you'll need one medium yellow onion. Then, pick up two cloves of garlic.
Don't forget that 24-ounce jar of marinara. You'll also want a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. And let's not forget the olive oil, pasta, pepperoni and of course Cheese! It's gonna be epic .
A pepperoni hotdish like no other. It's also great with Italian sausage instead of beef. Now, onto the good stuff…
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Pizza Casserole Ever
Right, so you want to make the Best Pizza Casserole Ever ? Awesome! This isn't some fancy pants affair. This is proper comfort food. Let's break down what you'll need, shall we?
Main Ingredients: No Fuss, Just Flavour!
- Ground Beef: 1 pound ( 450g ). Get good quality beef. You know, the stuff that actually tastes like beef!
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow onions are spot on.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Go big or go home, I say!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Don’t skimp!
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon . Adds that authentic Italian vibe.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it!
- Marinara Sauce: 1 (24 ounce/680g) jar . Find a decent one, it makes all the difference.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . Adds richness and depth.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . Extra virgin is lush.
- Sugar: ½ teaspoon (optional). If your sauce is a bit acidic.
- Pasta: 1 pound ( 450g ) rotini, penne, or bow ties. Cooked al dente. Al dente is key! Mushy pasta is a no-no.
- Pepperoni: 1 (3.5 ounce/100g) package , sliced. You can’t have pizza pasta bake without it!
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (optional). For that extra bit of veggie goodness.
- Mushrooms: 1 (8 ounce/225g) package , sliced (optional). If you're feeling fancy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups ( 225g ), shredded. Melty, stretchy goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup ( 50g ), grated. For that extra bit of cheesy punch!
Seasoning Notes: Bangin' Flavours, Sorted!
The oregano and basil combo? Classic for a reason! They scream pizza pasta bake . A bit of garlic powder can boost things.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a cheeky kick. No fresh basil? Dried works perfectly. Honestly, this is about taste, not perfection! These are the essential ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Casserole Dinner !
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and making the sauce.
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) Baking Dish: The vessel for your masterpiece.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. Obvs.
- Colander: To drain the pasta. Essential.
That’s it! Nothing too scary, right? Now you're ready to make some real pizza hot dish recipe . This Weeknight Pizza Casserole is so easy, you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't try it before!
Cooking Method: Making the Best Pizza Casserole Ever !
Okay, so you wanna make the Best Pizza Casserole ? Honestly, it's dead easy! I used to be scared of casseroles, you know? Thinking they were all fancy.
But trust me, this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe is foolproof. It is the Best Pizza Casserole my family loves.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
First things first: mise en place ! That just means getting everything ready before you start. Chop your onion, mince your garlic.
Cook that pasta till it's al dente firm to the bite. Seriously, don't overcook it, nobody wants mushy Pizza Pasta Bake .
And hey, preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . You'll thank me later. A little bit of foresight saves future stress.
Also grab your 9x13 inch baking dish!
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Drain the fat! Nobody likes a greasy casserole.
- Add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, till they're nice and soft.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in 1 (24 ounce) jar of marinara sauce and 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. This is the heart of our Cheesy Pizza Casserole Dinner .
- Layer it all in the baking dish. Start with a bit of sauce, then half the cooked pasta, half the pepperoni, maybe some green pepper or mushrooms if you're feeling fancy. Then repeat! End with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and you have got a Ground Beef Pizza Casserole .
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Casserole!
Want to take your Weeknight Pizza Casserole to the next level? Don't be shy with the cheese! A generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan makes all the difference.
Also, let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking. This is because this helps it to set and makes it easier to slice.
Trust me on this one. Finally, for a bit of kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or using a spicy Pepperoni Hotdish version.
Honestly, this Quick Pizza Casserole is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's the perfect comfort food, and everyone always loves it.
So go on, give it a go! You might just create the Best Pizza Casserole Ever for your own family.
Recipe Notes for the Best Pizza Casserole Ever
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty! Honestly, even the Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe can be tweaked to make it perfect for you .
These are some tips I've picked up along the way to ensure your Cheesy Pizza Casserole Dinner is an absolute winner.
Let's Get Serving: Plating & Pairings
Okay, so presentation. Nobody wants a sloppy mess, yeah? For plating, I like to scoop a generous portion of my Baked Pizza Casserole and garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Trust me, it elevates it! As for sides, think garlic bread. Honestly, what's better than garlic bread with pizza? A simple green salad balances out the richness too.
For drinks, try a light Italian beer or even just some fizzy pop, you know?
The Great Storage Escape
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Seriously, this Pizza Pasta Bake tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily live in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing it? You can! Just let it cool completely, wrap it well in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to a month.
Reheating is a doddle. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Variations on a Theme: Make it Yours
Want to mix things up? Go wild! Need a dietary twist? No worries. For a veggie version, swap out the Ground Beef Pizza Casserole for lentils or veggie mince.
Adds a lovely bite, it does. Got someone who's gluten-free? Just use gluten-free pasta. Easy peasy! Seasonally, consider swapping out the standard pepperoni for sun-dried tomatoes in the summer for that mediterranean feeling.
Nutrition Nuggets: The Basics
Alright, so Weeknight Pizza Casserole isn't exactly health food, is it? But everything in moderation, right? Each serving clocks in around 450-550 calories .
You're getting a good dose of protein from the beef and cheese, which is fab! Just keep an eye on the fat content, you know? It's mostly from the cheese, so don't go too crazy.
This Quick Pizza Casserole can be whatever you need it to be! I’m so buzzed for you to try this Pepperoni Hotdish ! Best Pizza Casserole is a crowd pleaser so you're sure to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the "Best Pizza Casserole Ever" ahead of time? I'm proper knackered during the week!
Absolutely, you can! Assemble the casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold.
Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through before serving!
What are some fun variations I can try with this pizza casserole recipe? Fancy something a bit different!
Loads of options, mate! Think about swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage, adding some ricotta cheese between the layers for extra creaminess, or even throwing in some cooked chicken or bacon. Veggie lovers can load it up with roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and more bell peppers!
Get creative - it's your pizza casserole masterpiece!
How long does leftover "Best Pizza Casserole Ever" last, and what's the best way to store it? Don't want to waste a bit!
Leftover pizza casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
For best results, add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to keep it nice and gooey!
Can I freeze this casserole? Is it freezer friendly, and for how long?
Yes, pizza casserole freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Is there a healthier version of this "Best Pizza Casserole Ever" recipe? Trying to be a bit more virtuous!
You bet! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Choose whole wheat pasta for added fibre, and load up on vegetables to bulk it out. You could also use part skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cheese overall. Using a homemade sauce allows you to control the sugar and salt content too!
Pizza Casserole Like Pizza But Easier
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
