Introduction:

Pizza and casserole are staples of family dinners all around the world. Combine these two comfort food favorites and you’ve got an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or parties. In this article, we’ll share our best pizza casserole recipe that is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta

– 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage

– 1 small onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 (26 oz) jar marinara sauce

– 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 (3.5 oz) package sliced pepperoni

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once cooked through, remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5. Return the cooked meat to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.

6. Combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce in a large bowl, mixing until well coated.

7. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

8. Arrange the sliced pepperoni over the top of the casserole.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This easy pizza casserole recipe is a surefire hit for any gathering or dinner. With its combination of classic pizza flavors and comforting casserole warmth, you can never go wrong with this dish. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients by adding your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to make it your own unique masterpiece. Enjoy!