why make this recipe
This casserole is fast, cheesy, and simple. It uses basic ingredients you likely have at home. It fills hungry people and cleans up fast. If you like warm casseroles, you may also enjoy a hearty Cattle Drive Casserole classic for another easy comfort meal.
introduction
Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole brings pizza flavor in one dish. You mix pasta, sauce, meat, and cheese, then bake. It cooks in about 30 minutes and needs little hands-on time. You can swap cheeses or toppings, for example try ideas about using cottage cheese on pizza to make it lighter.
how to make Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Preheat the oven and cook the pasta first. Mix the pasta with sauce, meat, vegetables, and cheese. Put the mix in a greased dish and top with Parmesan. Bake until the cheese bubbles and turns light brown. For other quick dinner ideas, see a simple beef tacos guide that also cooks fast and feeds a crowd.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, Italian sausage or pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, olives, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Add a green salad or garlic bread for a fuller meal. You can also serve it with a simple side like a plain fried rice or quick stir fry; see this Anjappar egg fried rice recipe for a fast rice side.
how to store Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover it tightly and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave single servings.
tips to make Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce, like penne or rotini.
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it does not get mushy after baking.
- Swap the sausage for pepperoni or cooked chicken.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more fiber.
- For more simple meal ideas and side dishes, look at these simple traditional recipes for inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: omit meat and add extra vegetables or a plant-based sausage.
- Try different cheeses: provolone, cheddar, or a mix works well.
- Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pasta?
A: Yes. Fresh pasta cooks fast, so reduce the boiling time and watch it closely.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and keep in the fridge for a day. Bake when ready.
Q: Is it ok to use jarred pizza sauce?
A: Yes. Jarred sauce works well and saves time.
Q: How do I reheat a single portion?
A: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in a small oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot.
Q: Can I add more cheese on top?
A: Yes. Add extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheddar before baking for extra melt.
Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, Italian sausage or pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, olives, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.