Delicious Pizza Casserole

This recipe was handed down to me by my mom. She made once for the kids when she watched them while my husband and I were away on a getaway. When we returned, the first thing the kids said to us in unison was, “Grandma made the best pizza casserole!” I’m sure they missed us too, but apparently, this pizza casserole was a highlight of their weekend. Of course, I couldn’t leave that day without asking my mom for the recipe. She was tickled they loved it so much and she was happy to share it with me.

Since getting this delicious pizza casserole recipe, I have made it more times than I can count. After trying it for the first time, I completely understood why the kids love it so much. It tastes just like pizza! As a matter of fact, the very first time I made it, we sat down to dinner, my husband took his first bite and exclaimed, “Mmm! What is this? It tastes just like pizza, but in a casserole!” The kids burst out laughing. In unison, they announced, “That’s because it IS pizza casserole!” To this day, they still tease him about it.

This pizza casserole recipe is not only delicious, but it is so easy to make!

The simple answer to what is in pizza casserole is, whatever you like on your pizza. Here is what I put in mine:

• Rotini pasta
• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Green and/or red bell pepper
• Pepperoni (I use turkey pepperoni.)
• Jar marinara sauce
• Milk
• Mozzarella cheese

This recipe is so easy, it’s perfect to make ahead of time and it freezes beautifully. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish. Next, cook the pasta a couple of minutes short of the recommended time on the package. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Drain the excess fat if necessary.

After draining the pasta, stir it into the ground beef mixture. Then, add the pepperoni, jar marinara sauce, and milk and mix well. Pour this mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Finally, top the casserole with the mozzarella cheese and bake it for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 before serving. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Add whatever you like on your pizza to your pizza casserole. This includes, but is not limited to black olives, sliced mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, ham, or bacon. Truly, the sky’s the limit!

Feel free to make this casserole yours. Here are some substitution suggestions.

• Rotini pasta – Substitute with the pasta of your choice. Penne, rigatoni, bow ties, etc. I have also made this casserole with gluten-free pasta and it’s equally delicious.
• Ground beef – Can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.

Looking for another family-friendly and easy casserole recipe? You might like to try, Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. It’s another Cali Girl family favorite!