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Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole for Weeknight Dinner

A close-up of a gooey, cheesy slice of pizza casserole with melted mozzarella dripping down the side.
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Prepare this comforting pizza pasta casserole for a simple, cheesy meal that brings classic pizza flavors to your dinner table without the fuss. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights and feeds the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
  5. In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the bottom.
  6. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni.
  7. Spoon half of the remaining pizza sauce over the cheese layer.
  8. Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining mozzarella cheese, and remaining pepperoni. Top with the last of the pizza sauce.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the pizza casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • You can make this ahead of time. Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • For a low carb pizza casserole alternative, substitute the pasta with steamed cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.
  • Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/easy-pizza-casserole-recipe/