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Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
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Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food combining classic pizza flavors—savory Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese—layered with pasta or bread cubes into a hearty, cheesy casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this simple one-dish meal offers an irresistible blend of meaty, cheesy, and herby goodness with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 20–30 slices pepperoni (pre-sliced or sliced as needed)

Sauces

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Base

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini) cooked al dente, or 4 cups bread cubes (toasted)

Seasonings and Extras

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for tossing pasta or bread cubes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage and Pepperoni: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat. Slice pepperoni if not pre-sliced and set aside.
  2. Cook the Base Pasta or Prepare Bread Cubes: If using pasta, cook according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. For bread cubes, toss with olive oil and toast lightly in the oven until firm but not overly crisp to perfectly absorb sauce.
  3. Combine Cheeses and Prepare Marinara: In a bowl, mix the ricotta or cottage cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in Italian seasoning for added flavor. Keep the marinara sauce warm on the stove for easy layering.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish. Begin with a layer of pasta or bread cubes, spread a portion of marinara sauce evenly on top, then add half the browned sausage and a handful of pepperoni slices. Spoon dollops of the cheese mixture over this layer. Repeat these layers ending with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Use high-quality Italian sausage for better flavor and texture.
  • Drain pasta al dente to avoid mushy casserole.
  • Evenly distribute layers to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Let the casserole rest post-baking to firm up and hold its shape.
  • Customize cheese blends by adding provolone or cheddar for extra richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage casserole, pepperoni casserole, pizza casserole, comfort food, Italian sausage recipe, easy casserole, family dinner, baked pasta

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/sausage-and-pepperoni-pizza-casserole/