Description
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delightful twist on the beloved pizza that brings all your favorite flavors into a hearty and comforting dish. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy families looking to simplify meals without sacrificing taste. With a delightful combination of pasta, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a real crowd-pleaser and will surely become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar (24 ounce) pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. 2. Boil the rotini in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
3. 3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the sausage is browned.
4. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, browned sausage mixture, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. 5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with oregano and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
6. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. 7. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition. You can also use different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 900 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams