Cheesy Pizza Casserole ๐
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful fusion of pasta and pizza flavors with this mouthwatering Cheesy Pizza Casserole recipe! Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting homemade meal, this casserole brings together the goodness of rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, tangy black olives, earthy mushroom stems and pieces, all topped off with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Name: Cheesy Pizza Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: < 60 Mins
- Keywords: Oven, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy delight:

Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
3 cups | Rigatoni pasta |
1/2 lb | Italian sausage |
1/4 cup | Black olives |
1 can | Mushroom stems and pieces |
1 cup | Mozzarella cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 368.2
- Fat Content: 19.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 52.3mg
- Sodium Content: 1343.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 13g
- Protein Content: 17.1g
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s ready to bake your delicious casserole to perfection.
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Cook the Pasta: While the oven is heating up, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
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Prepare the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the sausage and set it aside.
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Assemble the Casserole: In an ungreased casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, black olives, and mushroom stems and pieces. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
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Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow the casserole to bake for approximately 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Add Cheese: After 30 minutes, remove the cover from the casserole dish and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Slice into generous portions and serve hot, savoring every cheesy, pizza-inspired bite!
Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings! Add diced bell peppers, onions, pepperoni, or any other ingredients you love on your pizza for a personalized touch.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a hassle-free meal.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: For a complete meal, serve this Cheesy Pizza Casserole alongside some warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a satisfying dinner that will please the whole family.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of pasta, sausage, olives, mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, this Cheesy Pizza Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or sharing it with friends at a casual gathering, this easy-to-make dish is guaranteed to impress. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of cheesy pizza goodness in casserole form!