Pizza Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of pizza with the comforting texture of a casserole. It’s an easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. With layers of pasta, cheese, and pepperoni, this casserole is packed with flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it’s quick, straightforward, and full of delicious ingredients. You get all the classic pizza flavors without the fuss of making dough. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Perfect for feeding a crowd, Pizza Casserole is not only satisfying but also customizable to your family’s taste.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Making Pizza Casserole is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean and 15% fat)
- 16 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 4 cups water
- 3 cups pasta sauce
- 8 oz Homemade Velveeta cheese
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese (shredded with a box grater)
- 24 pepperoni slices (uncured pepperoni with no added nitrates)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt (Lawry’s Brand)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the beef. Stir well.
- Add the uncooked rotini pasta and 4 cups of water to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and Homemade Velveeta cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted.
- Transfer half of the mixture to a greased baking dish. Layer with half of the Mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining Mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Serve Pizza Casserole hot from the oven. You can add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. To make it more festive, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color.
How to Store Pizza Casserole
Store leftover Pizza Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Pizza Casserole
- Feel free to mix in your favorite pizza toppings, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier texture, substitute some of the pasta sauce with Alfredo sauce.
Variation
You can turn this Pizza Casserole into a vegetarian option by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer! Cheddar, Provolone, or Parmesan can all work well.
2. Can I make Pizza Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked straight from the fridge.
3. Is Pizza Casserole gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Enjoy making this easy and delicious Pizza Casserole for your next meal!
Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean and 15% fat)
- 16 oz rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 4 cups water
- 3 cups pasta sauce
- 8 oz Homemade Velveeta cheese
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese (shredded with a box grater)
- 24 slices pepperoni (uncured, no nitrates)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt (Lawry’s Brand)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the beef. Stir well.
- Add the uncooked rotini pasta and 4 cups of water to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and Homemade Velveeta cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted.
- Transfer half of the mixture to a greased baking dish. Layer with half of the Mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining Mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
