Delicious Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you’re a pizza lover looking for a unique twist on your favorite dish, you’re in for a treat. Mama’s Pizza Casserole is here to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your pizza cravings in a whole new way. This delightful casserole combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the convenience of a casserole dish, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s gather the essential ingredients for this mouthwatering Mama’s Pizza Casserole:

• 1 pound of ground Italian sausage
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of rigatoni pasta, cooked and drained
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s proceed with making this delectable Mama’s Pizza Casserole:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes to perfection.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat until they are browned and crumbled. Make sure to break them into smaller pieces as they cook.
3. Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
4. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. In a large baking dish, spread half of the cooked rigatoni pasta evenly on the bottom. Top it with half of the meat and sauce mixture, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat and sauce mixture, and cheeses. Make sure the top layer is generously covered with cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Once out of the oven, garnish your Mama’s Pizza Casserole with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy!!