Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines classic Italian flavors into a family-friendly baked dish featuring penne pasta, ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and a blend of cheeses. Perfectly baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s an easy one-dish meal that satisfies pizza cravings with a comforting twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 4 cups penne pasta
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb pork sausage
- 4 oz pepperoni, sliced or quartered
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 small can sliced black olives, drained
Cheese and Dairy
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 24 oz marinara sauce or pizza sauce
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Meats: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork sausage, cooking while breaking up the meat until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms if using, and drained black olives. Mix well to combine.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and 24 oz of marinara or pizza sauce to the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Bake until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and turns a light golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any other pasta shape like rigatoni or ziti.
- Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use low-fat cheese and lean meats to reduce the fat content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- The optional mushrooms add great depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.
