Description
Pizza lovers rejoice over this hearty Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole blending classic Italian-American comfort flavors. Cheesy layers of pasta, zesty meats, and marinara sauce create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni works best)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta until just tender, then drain and set aside, ensuring it retains a slight bite.
- In a large skillet, crumble and brown Italian sausage over medium heat, rendering its rich flavors.
- Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers into the sausage, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic qualities.
- Pour marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes into the skillet, blending with herbs like oregano and basil. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for added zest.
- Simmer the sauce mixture for 10 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole assembly.
- Thoroughly combine cooked pasta with sausage-sauce mixture, ensuring even coating of each pasta piece.
- Layer half the pasta mixture into the baking dish, strategically arranging pepperoni slices across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the first layer, creating a melty foundation.
- Repeat layering with remaining pasta, pepperoni, and cheese, building a robust, flavor-packed casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, trapping moisture and heat.
- Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Allow casserole to rest briefly before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta to al dente stage to prevent mushiness when baked in the casserole.
- Consider using lean sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using spicy pepperoni for extra kick.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and check marinara sauce ingredients.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg