Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines classic Italian flavors into a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring penne pasta, savory ground Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a rich marinara sauce layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole offers all the taste of a pizza in a convenient, satisfying casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 4 cups penne pasta
Meat
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and flavors meld.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce along with dried oregano and basil. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly. Layer half the sauce mixture on top, followed by half the pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and toppings to form a second layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if penne is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding extra cheese on top before baking can give a richer, gooier finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
