Supreme Pizza Casserole (55 Minutes)

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Pizza casserole is a delightful fusion of classic pizza flavors and the hearty comfort of a pasta bake. This casserole combines tender penne pasta with layers of zesty pepperoni, melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a mix of black olives, green pepper, and onion, mirroring the beloved toppings of a traditional pizza.

It’s an ideal dish for those who love pizza but want the satisfying feel of a baked pasta meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cook Penne Pasta (10-12 minutes): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce (2 minutes): In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the marinara or pizza sauce.
  4. Assemble Casserole (5 minutes): In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sauced pasta. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, sautéed vegetables, and black olives. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
  5. Bake (25-30 minutes): Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  6. Serve (5 minutes): Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning before serving.

Notes

To ensure your pizza casserole is a hit, focus on layering the flavors just like you would with a pizza. The pasta should be cooked al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Using a good quality marinara or pizza sauce can make a big difference in flavor.

Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preferences, much like you would with a traditional pizza. This casserole is a fun and comforting dish that combines the best of two beloved meals – pizza and pasta – into one delicious experience.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/supreme-pizza-casserole-55-minutes/