Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines classic Italian flavors in a comforting baked dish, featuring penne pasta layered with savory sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers the delicious taste of pizza in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 4 cups penne pasta
Meats
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper for 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Brown the sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook thoroughly until browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 2–3 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and aromatic.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce along with dried oregano and basil. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, create layers starting with half of the cooked penne pasta, then half of the sauce mixture, followed by half the pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, pepperoni, and cheeses.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly on top.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
- Use turkey sausage as a leaner alternative to ground Italian sausage.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce and sausage are gluten-free.
