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This Cheesy Pizza Casserole has become my family's ultimate comfort dish. It takes everything we adore about pizza melty cheese savory meats zesty sauce and transforms it into the coziest casserole you can imagine. I love making this for our busy weeknights or when friends pop over it's always an instant hit.
Why You'll Fall in Love
Let me tell you what makes this casserole so special. It's incredibly simple to throw together perfect when you're short on time but craving something heartwarming. My kids cheer when they see it coming out of the oven and honestly who can resist those layers of gooey cheese and pizza flavors?
Grab These Ingredients
- Farfalle Pasta: 1 pound cooked just until al dente it holds up beautifully in the casserole
- Mild Pork Sausage: 1 pound adds such amazing flavor
- Fresh Garlic: 2 cloves minced because everything's better with garlic
- Onion: 1 medium diced it adds such great depth
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried my favorite Italian herb
- Spaghetti Sauce: 3 cups use your favorite jarred sauce
- Ham: 1 cup cubed adds a lovely salty touch
- Pepperoni: 1 cup because it's not pizza without pepperoni
- Mozzarella: 16 ounces freshly shredded melts like a dream
- Parmesan: 6 tablespoons freshly grated for extra flavor
Let's Make It Together
- Getting Started
- First thing I do is get my oven warming to 375°F and give my 9×13 dish a quick spray. While my pasta's boiling I brown the sausage with garlic onion and oregano in my favorite skillet the kitchen smells amazing.
- Building Those Layers
- Here's my secret start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Then layer like this: a third of your pasta sauce mozzarella parmesan and that yummy sausage mix. Do this three times and save your ham and pepperoni for the very top it gets perfectly crispy.
- The Final Touch
- Pop it in the oven uncovered for about 40 minutes until everything's hot and bubbly. I know it's tempting but let it rest for 5-10 minutes trust me it's worth the wait.
Make It Your Own
The best part about this casserole? You can totally make it your own. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or bell peppers my daughter loves black olives on hers. Switch up the meats too ground beef works great or keep it lighter with turkey. And don't even get me started on all the cheese options.
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Plan Ahead
Here's a lifesaver tip I put this together the night before when I know we've got a busy day coming up. It keeps perfectly in the fridge for 3 days or pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember you'll need extra time in the oven if it's coming straight from the cold.
Save Those Leftovers
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 5 days. I like to portion them out for quick lunches just a minute in the microwave and it's just as good as day one. For family portions I pop it back in the oven to get that cheese melty again.
Slow Cooker Magic
On those days when I don't want to turn on the oven I use my slow cooker. Layer everything just the same cook it on low for about 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on those edges slow cookers can sometimes get a bit hot in spots.
Kid Approved
My kids absolutely adore this dish it's like pizza night but even better. They love helping layer all the ingredients and watching the cheese get all melty through the oven door. It's become our Friday night tradition.
Complete The Meal
We love serving this with a big crisp salad on the side. Some garlic bread never hurts either perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. If we're feeling fancy a glass of red wine for the grown ups makes it feel like a real Italian dinner.
Warming It Up
When it's time to reheat I always use my oven set to 350°F. Cover it with foil so it doesn't dry out then uncover for the last few minutes to get that cheese bubbly again. It's almost better the second time around.
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Everyone's Favorite
Every time I bring this to a potluck people go crazy for it. It's got all those pizza flavors we love but in an easy to share form. Plus it stays warm for ages perfect for those long gatherings.
Special Diet Solutions
Got gluten sensitive friends? I've made this with gluten free pasta and it works beautifully. For dairy free folks there are some amazing cheese alternatives out there now. Just double check your sausage ingredients and you're good to go.
Potluck Perfect
This is my go to potluck dish. I use those disposable aluminum pans when I'm taking it somewhere keeps things super simple. Just wrap it up well in foil to keep it warm on the journey it'll still be perfect when you arrive.
Spice It Up
Sometimes we like it with a little kick. I'll mix in some red pepper flakes or add spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. Hot pepperoni on top is fantastic too just adjust the heat to what your family enjoys.
Personal Portions
I love making mini versions in ramekins perfect for when everyone wants their own special combination of toppings. They're so cute and fun for dinner parties plus everyone gets those crispy edges.
Freezer Ready
I always make two at once one for now one for later. It's such a time saver. Just wrap it up tight with plastic wrap then foil label it clearly with the date and cooking instructions. Future you will be so grateful.
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Make It Fancy
When I want to impress I'll add fresh basil and sun dried tomatoes between the layers. A little drizzle of good balsamic glaze right before serving takes it to the next level. Such simple touches make it feel extra special.
Family Fun
Assembly night is always fun at our house. Everyone gets to add their favorite toppings to their section of the casserole. The kids get so creative and they're more likely to eat dinner when they've helped make it.
Quick and Easy
This casserole is my secret weapon for busy weeknights. Everything comes together so quickly with ingredients I usually have on hand. Plus it's filling enough that one pan feeds us all with maybe even some leftovers for lunch.
Lighter Version
When we're eating lighter I use whole grain pasta turkey sausage and reduce the cheese a bit. Loading up on veggies like spinach and zucchini adds nutrition and nobody misses the extra calories.
Leftover Love
Got leftovers? They're amazing the next day stuffed into peppers or piled onto garlic bread for amazing sandwiches. Sometimes I'll even use them as a pizza topping talk about pizza inception.
Perfect For Any Time
From casual family dinners to game day gatherings this casserole never disappoints. It's my go to when I need something that's sure to please everyone. The combination of comfort and flavor just can't be beat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- → Can I freeze this pizza casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.
- → What can I substitute for the meats?
- You can use any pizza toppings you enjoy. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a vegetarian version, or use different meats like ground beef or turkey.
- → What type of pasta works best?
- While the recipe calls for farfalle, any medium-sized pasta works well. Penne, rotini, or ziti are great alternatives that hold the sauce nicely.
- → Why let it rest before serving?
- The 5-10 minute rest allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly. This makes it easier to serve and prevents the layers from sliding apart.