Pizza Casserole Recipe

Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• Pepperoni slices

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning (optional, omit salt if using)
• 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Olives
• Sliced black olives
• Diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Brown the meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and fully cooked.
   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Combine ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, browned meat, and spaghetti sauce until well combined.
   • Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Adobo (if using), Creole seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   • Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a large casserole dish (9×13 inches works well).
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
   • Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni is slightly crispy.
7. Optional:
   • Add your favorite pizza toppings such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or diced tomatoes before baking.
8. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
   • Enjoy your pizza casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

• For a saucier casserole, add an additional half jar of spaghetti sauce.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you prefer less salt, omit the Adobo seasoning and reduce the amount of salt added.
• Make it your own by incorporating your favorite pizza toppings into the casserole before baking.

Notes:

• This recipe can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.