If you’re searching for a warm, hearty dish that brings the delicious flavors of pizza into a comforting pasta bake, then Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This recipe effortlessly combines tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, rich pizza sauce, and melty cheeses, topped off with pepperoni and optional veggies to satisfy every craving. It’s a family favorite that invites everyone to gather around, sharing smiles and second helpings of a dish that tastes like pure love in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole thrives on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the perfectly al dente rotini to the mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, every element complements the others to create a harmonious, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Uncooked rotini pasta 12 ounces: The spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Ground beef 1 pound: Adds hearty protein and a savory depth that makes the casserole satisfying.
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon: Used to brown the beef and onions, bringing out their natural richness.
- Chopped onion 1/2 cup: Provides sweetness and a bit of bite to balance the meat.
- Minced garlic 2 cloves: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances the tomato sauce.
- Pizza sauce 3 cups: This is the heart of the casserole, delivering classic pizza flavor.
- Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon: A blend of herbs that adds a fragrant, Mediterranean touch.
- Salt 1/2 teaspoon: Brings out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness for balance.
- Sliced pepperoni 1 cup divided: Used in both the sauce and as a topping for that authentic pizza kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups: Melts into a gooey, savory blanket that cheese lovers adore.
- Shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup: Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to mozzarella’s creaminess.
- Sliced black olives 1/4 cup (optional): Brings a briny pop that some find irresistible.
- Diced green bell pepper 1/2 cup (optional): Adds color and a fresh crunch to brighten the casserole.
How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting the stage for a perfectly baked casserole. Cook the rotini pasta just until it’s al dente according to the package instructions, ensuring it won’t become mushy after baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside—that way it’s ready to absorb all the saucy goodness later.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the chopped onion, breaking the meat into crumbles as it browns. This step builds a savory foundation packed with flavor. After the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute to release its fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the pizza sauce and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the seasonings to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating the perfect coating for both the pasta and meat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rotini with the meat sauce, half of the pepperoni, and half of both shredded cheeses—mozzarella and cheddar. This combination ensures that the casserole is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with those beloved pizza flavors in every forkful.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread this cheesy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Next, top it with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and pepperoni for an irresistible golden crust and extra pizza taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on sliced black olives or diced green bell pepper for added texture and color. Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and perfectly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set those flavors.
How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the look and taste of the casserole. These little additions bring freshness and a gentle kick that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy comfort of Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette can also be perfect companions for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish with a big serving spoon, encouraging everyone to dig in. For a more polished presentation, portion it onto individual plates and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some chopped fresh herbs for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal equally satisfying.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, too. After baking and cooling, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole casserole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni can work wonderfully here without changing the overall deliciousness.
Is it okay to substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef?
Yes! Swapping ground beef for Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a little extra spice, making the casserole even more mouthwatering.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can! Simply omit the ground beef and pepperoni, and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to keep the dish hearty and tasty.
How spicy is Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe?
The classic recipe is mild, perfect for all ages, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to suit your preferred heat level.
What’s the best cheese combination to use?
The blend of mozzarella and cheddar in this recipe offers the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness. However, feel free to experiment with provolone or Parmesan for a twist.
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comforting family flavors wrapped up in one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving cozy leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite with the ones you love.
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Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mama’s Pizza Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring rotini pasta mixed with a savory ground beef and pizza sauce filling, layered with pepperoni, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and optional vegetables. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines favorite pizza flavors into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, meaning it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Allow this sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta with the meat sauce, half of the sliced pepperoni, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix everything well until evenly blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and the rest of the pepperoni slices. If desired, sprinkle sliced black olives and diced green bell pepper over the top for added flavor and color.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly for easier portioning and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.
- This casserole reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
