Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 lb (16 ounces) short-cut pasta (e.g., rotini, penne, ziti, or elbow macaroni). The shape of the pasta is important. Shapes with tubes and spirals, like rotini or penne, are ideal because they have nooks and crannies that excel at trapping the meaty sauce and melted cheese, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Mild or Hot Italian Sausage: 1 lb, casings removed. Using Italian sausage instead of plain ground beef is a major flavor upgrade. It comes pre-seasoned with fennel and other spices that are classic to pizza, infusing the entire sauce with a deep, savory flavor. Choose mild for a family-friendly dish or hot for an extra spicy kick.
- Pepperoni: 1 package (6-8 ounces), sliced. The star of the show! You’ll use some slices mixed into the casserole and a generous amount arranged on top to get those iconic crispy, curled-up edges that everyone loves.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped. This provides the sweet, aromatic foundation for our meat sauce.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that authentic, pizzeria-style flavor. Adjust the amount based on your love for garlic.
- Marinara Sauce: 1 large jar (24 ounces). For a quick and easy weeknight meal, a high-quality jarred marinara sauce is a fantastic time-saver. Choose a brand you enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent in the final dish. A basil or garlic-infused variety works especially well.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3-4 cups, freshly shredded. This is the most crucial element for that irresistible “cheese pull.” For the best results, buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking powders that prevent it from melting as smoothly and can result in a slightly grainy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty, and salty depth of flavor that complements the mild, creamy mozzarella perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons. A simple blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme that instantly boosts the “pizza” flavor of the sauce.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the aromatics and browning the sausage.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. For seasoning the sauce and bringing all the flavors together.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, but be sure to undercook it by about 2 minutes, so it is very al dente (firm to the bite). The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and this step prevents it from becoming mushy in the final casserole. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Create the Savory Meat Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce
Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir in the Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the drained, al dente pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in about half of the sliced pepperoni, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Pour the rest of the pasta mixture over the cheese layer and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Top and Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices evenly over the top layer of cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on the edges. For extra crispy pepperoni, you can switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning.
Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial step allows the casserole to set, so it holds its shape when you serve it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550-650 kcal