Description
Hearty flavors of meat pizza casserole dance together in a comforting culinary symphony. Cheese-laden layers and zesty seasonings promise a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 ounces/680 grams) pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and cook ground meat until completely browned, breaking into small crumbles. Remove excess grease using a paper towel.
- Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine cooked pasta, browned meat, pizza sauce, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and selected herbs and spices. Stir ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the top of the mixture. Scatter chopped olives over the cheese layer for additional flavor.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the center rack and bake for 22-27 minutes, watching for golden-brown cheese and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Customize meat choice by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Enhance vegetable variety by adding spinach, zucchini, or swap bell peppers for roasted vegetables.
- Make gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Boost flavor depth by incorporating Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg