Description
Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole delivers classic Italian-American comfort in one pan. Layered pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal for family dinner gatherings when you crave something filling and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean ground beef
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsps Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Additional pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain completely, setting the stage for the hearty casserole.
- Meat Medley: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking down the meat into rich, caramelized fragments. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence.
- Sauce Symphony: Introduce chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Simmer the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify into a robust base.
- Layering Magic: Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients. Strategically layer mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices across the surface.
- Cheese Crown: Generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the casserole, creating a golden, promising top layer that will transform during baking.
- Baking Brilliance: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese bubbles and develops a slightly crisp texture. For an extra golden finish, carefully broil the casserole, watching to prevent burning.
- Finishing Flourish: Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle and intensify. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, final touch before serving hot.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose al dente pasta to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a firm and satisfying texture.
- Meat Moisture Management: Drain excess fat from ground beef and sausage to prevent a greasy final dish and maintain clean, rich flavors.
- Cheese Layering Strategy: Distribute cheese evenly for consistent melting and optimal coverage, preventing dry or overly crispy sections.
- Herb Enhancement: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and introduce a fresh, aromatic element.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg