Introduction
Pizza casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pizza. A comforting and satisfying dish, it combines all the beloved flavors of pizza with the warmth and heartiness of a casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any day you’re craving a cheesy, meaty delight, this recipe harmonizes simplicity with flavor. On August 23, 2024, set aside some time to cook this crowd-pleasing meal which can be tailored to individual tastes with a variety of toppings and ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients
To make a delicious pizza casserole, here are the required ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (16 ounce) package of uncooked egg noodles
- 2 (14 ounce) jars of pizza sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can of condensed tomato soup
- 1 (4 ounce) can of sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (3.5 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
- 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- Black olives, sliced (optional)
- Additional toppings (e.g., jalapeños, extra cheese) as desired
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Be sure to plan your time accordingly for this pizza casserole recipe:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect pizza casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. If you’re using onions and peppers, sauté them with the meat. Drain any excess fat.
- While the meat is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, usually 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, cooked noodles, pizza sauce, tomato soup, mushrooms, and any additional toppings you prefer. Mix everything well.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the noodle and meat mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize this pizza casserole recipe to your liking. You can switch out ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra veggies. Make it spicier by adding jalapeños, or keep it mild for children. This casserole is versatile and forgiving, making it a fantastic choice for any cook.
Cook Techniques
Here are some techniques to ensure your pizza casserole comes out perfectly:
- Properly drain the ground meat or sausage to avoid excess grease in your casserole.
- Cook the noodles until just al dente to ensure they don’t become too soft during baking.
- Combine all the ingredients well before transferring them to the baking dish to ensure an even distribution of flavor.
- Broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes if you prefer a golden-brown cheese topping.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes out of the oven to allow it to set, making it easier to serve.