Sevenlayer Pizza Mountain a Comfort Food Avalanche

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave pizza but want something extra comforting? This Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers is your answer! Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in food form, packed with cheesy, saucy goodness.

It's definitely a crowd pleaser.

Brief Overview

Casserole Pizza is a classic American comfort food. It is inspired by Italian flavors. This Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe is, well, easy! It takes about an hour from start to finish and feeds a small crowd of 6-8.

It’s like your favorite Friday night pizza, amped up.

Main Benefits

This Pizza Bake Casserole is all about comfort and satisfying cravings. Comfort food pizza casserole , right here! It's an easy weeknight casserole dinner that makes everyone happy.

Plus, with all the protein from the sausage and cheese, you're getting a decent nutritional boost too. Seriously, it just hits the spot.

Ready to look into In?

This Italian sausage pizza casserole is so easy to customize with your favorite toppings. I love adding mushrooms and olives! But today, we’re sticking to a classic layered pizza casserole recipe .

Let's get started with what you'll need to make this Pizza casserole with pasta !

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Pizza Casserole

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers of pure joy. I swear, this is easier than assembling IKEA furniture. The best comfort food pizza casserole ever. Trust me.

Main Ingredients: Making Pizza Casserole with Pasta

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Nothing fancy, just your everyday stuff.
• Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g) . Look for "sweet" or "mild" unless you want to bring the heat. A good Italian sausage is key to making this Italian sausage pizza casserole .
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped . About a cup, give or take.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Jarred is fine in a pinch, but fresh is always better, right?
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . San Marzano tomatoes are chefs kiss , if you're feeling fancy.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) . Any brand will do.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Essential pizza flavor, right here.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adds a little sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) (optional). Kick it up a notch.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) , cooked al dente . Penne or rotini work great.
• Pepperoni: 15 slices . Use whatever you like.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container (425g) . Full fat is best for creamy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (60g) . Adds that salty, cheesy bite.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten . Binds the ricotta mixture together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (225g) . The star of the show! Buy a block and grate it for best melting.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup chopped (3g) (optional). Adds a pop of freshness.

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe!

Oregano and basil are your foundation here. Seriously. Don't skip them. Garlic powder works if you're out of fresh garlic. A pinch of sugar in the sauce balances the acidity.

Equipment Needed: Pizza Bake Casserole Edition!

• 9x13 inch baking dish . This is the one.
• Large skillet. For browning that sausage.
• Large pot. For cooking the pasta.
• Mixing bowl. For the ricotta mixture.

Honestly? This easy pizza casserole recipe is so forgiving. Don't have rotini? Use penne. No ricotta? Cottage cheese will do.

You know? It's all about making it work with what you've got! And the best part? It's the perfect easy weeknight casserole dinner .

I remember the first time I made a layered pizza casserole recipe . I accidentally used spaghetti noodles. Total disaster! The pasta was all mushy.

Learn from my mistakes, okay? Al dente pasta is your friend. You won't regret giving this pizza casserole bake a try.

Cooking Method: Mastering the Pizza Casserole Bake

Let's talk about Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers ! Seriously, this is the ultimate comfort food pizza casserole . It’s like a hug in a dish, you know? I first made this when I was snowed in, craving something cheesy and warm.

This Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe is totally what you want.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, get your ingredients prepped! This is the essential mise en place . Chop the onion and mince that garlic. Having everything ready makes the layering process smooth.

Trust me, it's a game changer. Speaking of game changers, never forget to preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) ! This is a key element of Casseroles Easy .

step-by-step: Building Your Pizza Bake Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Got it?
2. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet. Then, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes , till they soften up.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!). Simmer for 15 minutes .
4. Cook your pasta until it's al dente . Nobody likes mushy pasta, am I right?
5. Mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and egg.
6. Time to layer! Start with sauce, then pasta, ricotta mix, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Repeat! Finally, top with the remaining sauce. This is the heart of this Pizza Bake Casserole .
7. Bake for 35- 40 minutes . The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Layered Pizza Casserole Recipe Success

Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is your friend. If you're doing Italian sausage pizza casserole , drain the sausage well! Also, let it rest for about 5- 10 minutes before serving.

This helps everything set. For extra browning on your Pizza casserole with pasta , broil for the last 1- 2 minutes .

Watch it carefully! This makes for a great Easy weeknight casserole dinner .

This Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers is a winner! It's also very flexible, you can try it using other recipes such as using chicken for the protein.

Recipe Notes for Your Seven Layer Pizza Mountain

Okay, let’s talk shop about this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers masterpiece. We're not just throwing ingredients together. There's a method to this cheesy madness.

I want to pass along some tips and tricks to avoid those "Oh my gosh, what have I done?" moments.

It is a pizza bake casserole after all.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Pizza Night

First, presentation matters. I like to serve this easy pizza casserole recipe family style straight from the baking dish. A sprinkle of fresh basil really makes it pop.

But for a fancier touch, cut it into squares and plate each serving with a dollop of ricotta on top.

Pair this comfort food pizza casserole with a crisp side salad to balance the richness. And don't forget the garlic bread.

Honestly, who says no to garlic bread? A glass of chianti is the perfect finishing touch.

Storage Tips: Save Some for Later (If You Can!)

If you have any leftovers (and that's a big "if"), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's great reheated!

You can also freeze individual portions of this pizza casserole with pasta for an easy lunch. I suggest wrapping them tightly in foil before freezing.

Then, reheat in the oven or microwave. Easy peasy, right? I've done this easy weeknight casserole dinner trick countless times.

Variations: Remix Your Mountain of Goodness

Want to mix things up? Sub some ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage. It's all about your own personal touch.

For a vegetarian twist, load it up with sautéed veggies. Think mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini. I even once added artichoke hearts delish !

If you're gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. This layered pizza casserole recipe is all about being adaptable. Think of it like a blank canvas for your Italian sausage pizza casserole dreams!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

This Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers is packed with protein from the sausage and cheese. It also has carbs from the pasta, which give you energy.

But remember, it's a comfort food , so enjoy in moderation. And don’t feel guilty about it.

It's got calcium, too, thanks to the cheese. Plus, the tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants. Every ingredient is important!

Alright, there you have it my secrets to making this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers a guaranteed hit. Don’t be intimidated.

You’ve got this. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make some cheesy magic. You are going to cook the best casseroles easy with my recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Seven Layer Pizza Mountain casserole and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it like prepping for a Bake Off episode, only less stressful!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this Pizza Casserole?

Leftover Pizza Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It reheats surprisingly well, almost as good as a next day cuppa.

I don't have ricotta cheese. What can I substitute in this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers recipe?

No ricotta? No worries! You can substitute an equal amount of cottage cheese. Drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the Parmesan and egg. It'll give you a similar creamy texture, even if it's not quite the same "Mamma Mia!" experience as ricotta.

Can I freeze this Seven Layer Pizza Mountain casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole in a freezer safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, but you may need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated all the way through, like reviving a Doctor Who episode from the archives.

What other toppings can I add to this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers recipe?

Get creative! This Seven Layer Pizza Mountain is your canvas! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, cooked ham, or crumbled bacon are all fantastic additions. Just remember not to overcrowd the layers, you want everything to cook evenly. It's your chance to play pizza Picasso!