Follow these simple steps to make Aunt Millie’s Pizza Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meats: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Once the meat is cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Combine with pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and meat mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, and black olives. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with additional sliced olives, pepperoni, or fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage
This Pizza Casserole serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner or serving at a gathering with friends. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until fully heated through.
Tips
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the casserole for extra spice.
- Use different meats: If you prefer a meatless version, skip the sausage and beef, and use a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Swap the cheese: For a different twist, try using provolone, Parmesan, or a pizza blend cheese for a more gourmet flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to add any pizza toppings you love! Mushrooms, sausage, or even fresh basil would all work wonderfully in this casserole.
Conclusion
Aunt Millie’s Sunday-Table Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish to bring the whole family together. It combines all the beloved flavors of pizza—savory meat, melted cheese, tangy sauce, and zesty toppings—into one easy-to-make casserole. With its comforting, hearty nature and the ability to feed a crowd, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a fun dish to share with friends and family, this casserole will not disappoint!
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! You can use penne, rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and sausage and load up the casserole with your favorite veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
- Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just allow it to cool completely