Pizza Casserole

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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
  3. Cook the rotini noodles in a large pot of boiling water until just about al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. 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.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
  7. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
  11. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  12. 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.

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