Speedy Pizza Casserole the Ultimate Weeknight Winner
Recipe Introduction
Ever have one of those nights? You know, the ones where even thinking about cooking makes you want to hide under the duvet? Honestly, I've been there.
That's where this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights comes in. Trust me, it's a lifesaver.
The Lowdown on this Pizza Casserole Recipe
This isn't just any easy casserole recipes ; it's like a hug in a dish. It takes the best bits of pizza and turns them into a comforting baked pasta casserole .
Originating from the American tradition of hearty, family friendly meals, it's designed to be simple and satisfying. It's really straightforward, needs about 45 minutes, and feeds 6-8 hungry souls.
Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas .
Why You'll Love This Sausage Pizza Casserole
This recipe is more than just convenience. It's a fantastic way to sneak in some protein and veggies, making it a relatively balanced meal.
Think of it as the ultimate comfort food recipes that's also a family friendly casserole . What makes it special? It is adaptable.
Chuck in your favourite toppings. This is a quick pizza casserole
Ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace the Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights ?
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. It's perfect for those Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights .
Trust me, you probably have half of this stuff already!
Main Players
- Italian Sausage: You'll want 1 pound (450g) . If you get the good quality stuff, it makes a huge difference, you know?
- Pasta: About 1 (16-ounce / 450g) package. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are fab. Cook it al dente .
- Pizza Sauce: Grab a 1 (24-ounce / 680g) jar of your fave.
- Ricotta Cheese: One 1 (15-ounce / 425g) container should do the trick.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (60g) , grated. That's the good stuff!
- Egg: Just 1 large egg, beaten.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Aim for 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Don't be shy with the cheese!
- Pizza Toppings: About 1-2 cups total. Pick what you fancy!.
Seasoning Notes
Italian seasoning ( 1 teaspoon ) is your best mate here. Garlic powder ( 1/2 teaspoon ) gives a bit of oomph.
If you haven't got Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil and thyme works a treat.
This Pizza casserole recipe is already amazing. But if you want to take it to the next level, add a tiny pinch of chilli flakes!
Equipment Needed
You won't need much for this quick pizza casserole . A 9x13 inch baking dish is essential, though. A large skillet is for the sausage.
A big pot for pasta, obviously. A mixing bowl. Lastly, a colander is to drain that pasta. If you haven't got a baking dish, two smaller ones can work, you know? This baked pasta casserole recipe is the family friendly casserole you were looking for.
And I know you'll love it, and it is perfect for weeknight dinner ideas . Enjoy your sausage pizza casserole .
Alright, let's get cracking on this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights ! Think of this as your trusty mate on a Friday night.
You know? When you're knackered but fancy something better than beans on toast. We're talking comfort food recipes , made easy, and ready to go.
The Speedy Pizza Casserole: Your Weeknight Hero
Honestly, who doesn't love pizza? This pizza casserole recipe is like pizza night, but without all the fuss. It’s the family friendly casserole you’ve been searching for.
This dish is an answer for those busy nights . Trust me!
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise En Place Sorted
First things first. Cook your 450g Italian sausage. Crumble it up nicely. Also, get your pasta on! Cook 450g of penne (or whatever you fancy) al dente .
This stops it going mushy in the oven. Drain that pasta properly ! Nobody likes a soggy baked pasta casserole .
Safety first - be careful with that hot hob!
step-by-step: Making Magic Happen
Right, here’s the drill. This quick pizza casserole couldn’t be easier.
- Heat your oven to 190° C ( 375° F) .
- Mix 425g of ricotta cheese with 60g Parmesan, one beaten egg, 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Spread a bit of your favorite pizza sauce in a 9x13 inch dish.
- Layer half the cooked pasta, half the ricotta mix, half the sausage (if using), and half the mozzarella and toppings.
- Repeat the layers!
- Chuck some foil over it and bake for 20 minutes .
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5- 10 minutes . You are looking for golden brown and bubbly!
- Let it sit for a bit before serving. This helps everything set.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Casserole
Want to make it extra special? Try browning the sausage with a bit of fennel seed. It gives it a lovely Italian flavour! Don't skip draining the pasta, I did that once and never again .
Make it veggie by loading up on mushrooms and peppers! It still tastes amazing. Now, what could be more easy casserole recipes .
This Sausage pizza casserole can be made the day before and bake it when you’re ready to eat! It is like easy pizza casserole recipe for busy nights .
It will become your go-to for weeknight dinner ideas !
Recipe Notes for Your Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights
Right, so you've got the recipe for this incredibly simple Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights , but let's dive into a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's a total triumph, shall we? I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick!
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look the Business
Honestly, presentation matters! I like to serve each portion of this pizza casserole recipe piping hot, with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
You know, make it look all fancy. A simple green salad on the side cuts through the richness nicely. How about some garlic bread to mop up all that gorgeous sauce? For drinks, a fizzy lemonade always goes down a treat, or if you're feeling fancy, a crisp white wine works wonders.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive
If, and it's a big if , there are any leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just pop them in an airtight container. This baked pasta casserole is also freezer friendly! Wrap it up tightly in cling film and then foil and it'll keep for up to 2 months.
When reheating, either microwave it until piping hot, or bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Variations: Making it Your Pizza Casserole Recipe
Fancy switching things up a bit? Go veggie by using meat free sausage and loading it up with veggies. Mushrooms, peppers, onions the works! For a gluten-free casserole , just swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free version.
Easy peasy. You could also try different cheeses, like a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a sharper flavour. There are also other Easy casserole recipes if you don't like this one.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Okay, so this comfort food recipes isn't exactly health food, but it's all about balance, right? You are the boss.
It gives you a good dose of protein from the sausage and cheese, and carbs for energy. Just remember to watch your portion sizes, and maybe load up on veggies on the side to get your five-a-day.
An estimate for a serving of this Sausage pizza casserole is 450 calories, with 27g of protein, 22g of fat, and 35g of carbs.
These are just estimates.
So there you have it. This Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for any night really. You have all the tools you need to whip up this easy family friendly meal.
Enjoy experimenting and making it your own! Don't be shy of the Quick pizza casserole ! Give it a go and prepare yourself for a chorus of "Mmmms!" from the whole gang.
This is definitely one of the best Weeknight dinner ideas you will find!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Just think of it as your own ready meal, a proper lifesaver!
What are some good variations I can make to this pizza casserole?
Get creative! For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and load up on veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and spinach. If you fancy a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or use spicy sausage.
You could even swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese if that's what you've got in the fridge - a bit like making do on Bake Off!
How do I store leftover pizza casserole?
Leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through - though microwaving might make the cheese a little less gooey.
Is it okay to freeze this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for later?
Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole in a freezer safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then with foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and you might want to add a bit of extra cheese before you bake to freshen it up.
What kind of pasta is best for this casserole?
Penne, rotini, and rigatoni are all great choices because their ridges hold the sauce well. However, you can really use any short pasta shape you like. Just make sure you cook it al dente nobody wants a mushy casserole, more like a pasta bake gone wrong!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of sausage in the easy pizza casserole recipe?
Definitely! Pre-cooked chicken or even leftover roast chicken works brilliantly. It's a great way to use up leftovers and adds a leaner protein option. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the casserole along with your other toppings, and you've got yourself a healthy twist on a classic comfort dish.
Speedy Pizza Casserole The Ultimate Weeknight Wi
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400-500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
