Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 boxes (16 oz each) rotini noodles
- 2 jars (23.9 oz each) pizza sauce
- 1 box (3.5 oz) pepperoni slices, to taste
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Cook the rotini noodles in a large pot of boiling water until just about al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rotini noodles, pizza sauce from both jars, half of the pepperoni slices (cut in half), and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
- Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Pizza Casserole!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
some popular questions and their answers related to Pizza Casserole:
Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this Pizza Casserole? A: Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as penne, macaroni, or bowtie pasta instead of rotini noodles if you prefer.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this Pizza Casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives to customize your casserole.
Q: How long does this Pizza Casserole last in the refrigerator? A: This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this Pizza Casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole for later. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of pasta? A: While this recipe calls for pasta, you can certainly experiment with using pizza dough as a base for a more traditional pizza casserole. Simply press the pizza dough into the bottom of the baking dish, add your toppings, and bake according to the dough’s instructions.