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Pizza Casserole: One-Pan Weeknight Wonder
Print Recipe

Pizza Casserole

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage choose your vibe
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup pizza sauce your favorite flavor
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices or chopped veggies for a lighter twist
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers optional but colorful
  • 1 cup cooked pasta penne or rotini works nicely
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a pinch of oregano and thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan for that final cheesy wink

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Yes, this is happening in a hot way.
  • Sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet until they’re fragrant and a little caramelized. Don’t skip this step—flavor is a friend here.
  • Add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up so it looks like crumbled confetti. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything tastes like a reunion tour of your favorite pizza.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta, half of the mozzarella, peppers, and pepperoni (or your veggie mix). Mix until everything is evenly coated with sauce. If you’re using veggies, give them a quick sear to wake them up.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan. It should look indulgently cheesy and a little rebellious.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before diving in—resist the irresistible steam burn.