Bow Tie and Pepperoni Casserole Recipe
Description
This hearty Bow Tie and Pepperoni Casserole brings the savory flavors of pizza in a simple, customizable dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Itβs flexible, allowing you to add ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you love most on pizza. You can experiment with different veggies, sauces, and cheeses to make it your own!
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bow tie pasta |
| 1/2 clove | Garlic, minced |
| 1-2 | Fresh tomatoes, chopped |
| 4-5 slices | Onion, diced |
| 1 | Green pepper, chopped |
| 1 | Celery stalk, diced |
| 1-2 tsp | Dry oregano |
| 1/2-1 tsp | Dried coriander |
| 1/2-1 cup | Mozzarella cheese, grated |
| 1 cup | Tomato juice |
| 1/2-1 cup | Mushrooms, sliced |
| Optional | Banana pepper, chopped |
| Optional | Spinach, chopped |
| Optional | Broccoli florets |
| Optional | Pepperoni or sausage, sliced |
| Optional | Extra cheese for topping |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 725.4 kcal |
| Fat | 35.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 167.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1277 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 64.8 g |
| Fiber | 4.9 g |
| Sugar | 7.2 g |
| Protein | 36.5 g |
Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and allow it to heat while you prepare the casserole.
-
-
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt, then add the bow tie pasta.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
-
Cook the Pepperoni (or Sausage)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pepperoni or sausage slices and cook until the grease starts to render. This will infuse a rich, savory flavor into the dish.
- Do not discard the grease, as it adds flavor to the other ingredients.
-
SautΓ© the Vegetables
- Add minced garlic, tomatoes, onions, green pepper, celery, and any additional vegetables of your choice (like mushrooms, banana peppers, spinach, or broccoli) to the skillet with the pepperoni.
- SautΓ© the vegetables lightly for about 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
-
Add Spices
- Sprinkle oregano and coriander over the vegetables, stirring to coat everything in the seasoning. Allow it to cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
-
Assemble the Casserole
- In a greased 9″x13″ casserole dish, spread the cooked pasta in an even layer.
- Pour the sautΓ©ed vegetable and pepperoni mixture evenly over the pasta. Add tomato juice, stirring gently to incorporate everything.
-
Top with Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top, covering the casserole well.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
-
Final Bake with Extra Cheese (Optional)
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Add a little more cheese on top, if desired, and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
This dish serves well on its own or paired with a light salad. Enjoy the cozy, pizza-inspired flavors!
