Puffy Pizza Casserole

Puffy Pizza Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the fun of pizza into a comforting, hearty casserole. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a meal that’s both simple and satisfying. This recipe is not only tasty but also highly customizable, making it a family favorite that everyone can enjoy.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg

Why Make Puffy Pizza Casserole

Puffy Pizza Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a new form. It’s not just filling; it offers a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and a touch of veggies. Plus, with the ability to swap in different ingredients, you can tailor it to your family’s preferences. Whether you prefer vegetarian options or like it spicy, this casserole offers flexibility while remaining easy to prepare.

How to Make Puffy Pizza Casserole Step by Step

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cups pizza sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the meat and sauté until they are softened.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Puffy Pizza Casserole

Puffy Pizza Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Store Puffy Pizza Casserole

To store your Puffy Pizza Casserole, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Expert Tips for Cooking Puffy Pizza Casserole

• Use a mix of meats, such as turkey sausage or even ground chicken, for a lighter version.
• Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies to the mix, like mushrooms or spinach.
• For an extra cheesy top, mix some pizza seasoning into the remaining mozzarella before sprinkling it on.

Delicious Variations of Puffy Pizza Casserole

• Spicy Italian: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Herbed Veggie: Use a medley of diced vegetables, such as zucchini and eggplant, for a vegetarian twist.
• Citrus Zest: Grate a lemon or orange peel into the sauce for a refreshing flavor enhancement.

Puffy Pizza Casserole is a delightful meal that combines the comfort of pizza with the ease of a casserole. Its flavor, combined with the ability to tailor it to your family’s tastes, makes it an irresistible choice for any day of the week. Enjoy trying this recipe and making it your own!

Puffy Pizza Casserole

Puffy Pizza Casserole brings the fun of pizza into a hearty casserole, making it perfect for busy days while being highly customizable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Sauce and Seasoning

• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Pasta

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the meat and sauté until they are softened.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Assembly and Baking

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.