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Deluxe Pizza Casserole

Deluxe Pizza Casserole

Deluxe Pizza Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that combines melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, savory ground beef or sausage, pizza sauce, and a mix of vegetables and toppings baked into a hearty casserole. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it offers the classic flavors of pizza in an easy, customizable one-dish meal that’s quick to prepare and satisfying to eat.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Base

  • 3 cups cooked pasta or broken pizza crust pieces

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet until fully cooked and nicely browned, then drain excess fat. While the meat cooks, chop the vegetables and pre-cook the pasta or prepare the broken pizza crust base.
  2. Mix the sauce and seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the pizza sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful base for the casserole.
  3. Layer the casserole: Spread the cooked pasta or broken pizza crust evenly in a greased casserole dish. Add half the cooked meat, then layer on the vegetables followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining meat, vegetables, and cheese.
  4. Add final toppings: Top the casserole with sliced pepperoni or additional veggies and a final layer of cheese to ensure a bubbly golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are golden brown. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and texture.
  • Slightly undercook pasta so it finishes cooking in the oven and absorbs more flavor.
  • Drain cooked meat well to prevent a greasy or soggy casserole.
  • Bake the casserole uncovered to achieve a perfectly browned, bubbly cheese crust.
  • Allow the casserole to cool briefly before slicing for easier serving and cleaner slices.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: pizza casserole, deluxe pizza casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, family dinner, easy pizza recipe, baked pasta casserole