There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines all the best parts of a pizza into one easy, cheesy, and hearty bake. That’s exactly the magic behind Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe. This dish layers savory ground beef, zesty pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form that guarantees smiles and seconds around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays a crucial role in building the delicious depth of flavor and texture that defines Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe. From the savory meat to the melty blend of cheeses and the punch of Italian seasoning, every item has its place in making this dish shine.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein to the casserole.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant aroma and bursts of flavor that marry everything together.
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara: Provides tangy, tomato-based richness essential for that pizza taste.
- 1 (6 oz) can sliced black olives (drained): Adds a briny contrast that lifts the dish.
- 1 (3.5 oz) package pepperoni slices (divided): Brings that iconic spicy, meaty pizza punch, split between the filling and topping.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a stringy, cheesy layer everyone loves.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, complementing the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the casserole with classic herby notes.
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (cooked and drained): Provides a sturdy, perfect base that holds all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all ingredients.
How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help the cheese brown beautifully. This simple prep ensures a smooth baking process and an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion softens, releasing its sweetness. Drain any excess fat so your casserole keeps a balanced richness without being greasy.
Step 3: Mix in Sauce and Toppings
Stir the pizza sauce, drained black olives, half of the pepperoni slices, and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This combination builds the hearty, tangy base that carries all the flavors in the casserole.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked rotini or penne pasta directly into the skillet and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the meat and sauce mixture. This step ensures that every bite delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the cheese layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese bubbles, melts, and turns golden in spots. Let it cool for 5 minutes to set before serving.
How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a welcoming touch and extra flavor to your casserole. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A light drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can offer a delightful kick if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a classic Caesar salad also complement the pizza-inspired flavors, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve portions in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to keep everyone’s serving hot and personalized. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass dish for a fun, visual showcase of the colorful ingredients and melted cheese layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying quick lunches that still feel like a special treat.
Freezing
If you want to save the casserole for later, freeze it unbaked in a covered dish or wrapped tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the moisture intact, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, a microwave works well for quicker reheats, but covering it helps maintain gooey cheese without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne is recommended because they hold the sauce well, you can experiment with rigatoni, shells, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, by substituting regular pasta with a gluten-free variety, you can enjoy Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe without worry. Just make sure your pizza sauce and other ingredients are free from gluten additives too.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this dish with bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini. Adding veggies boosts the nutritional value and introduces fresh flavors that complement the rich base nicely.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza casserole to keep it moist?
Reheating in the oven with a piece of foil covering the dish is best to keep the casserole moist and prevent the cheese from drying out. A light sprinkle of water before covering can also help preserve moisture during reheating.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it into the preheated oven and bake according to instructions. It’s a perfect dish for easing dinner prep on busy days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together all the best pizza flavors in a simple, cheesy casserole, you’ll fall in love with Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit whether you’re feeding family or friends. Give it a try and get ready to make a new dinner favorite that’s as warm and welcoming as Mama’s own kitchen.
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Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mama’s Pizza Casserole is a hearty and comforting American main course that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the ease of a casserole. Featuring ground beef, Italian seasonings, savory pizza sauce, and a cheesy topping of mozzarella and cheddar, this baked pasta dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add-ins
- 1 (6 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 (3.5 oz) package pepperoni slices, divided
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, drained black olives, half of the pepperoni slices, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked and drained rotini or penne pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce mixture, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the cheese for a classic pizza touch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and prevent burning.
Notes
- Customize by adding your favorite pizza toppings such as green peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage for extra flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities or to make the dish gluten-friendly.
- This casserole can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or for leftovers.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
