How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?

Use lean ground beef and drain all excess fat after browning. Pat pepperoni with paper towel before layering.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the time.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Home / Recipes / italian_american / Pizza Lasagna Casserole

italian_americanEasynon vegetariannut freesoy freehigh protein

Pizza Lasagna Casserole

RATING

4.4/5(68)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Everything you love about pizza and lasagna baked together into one cheesy, saucy casserole. Layers of curly pasta, seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella come together in under an hour for a family-friendly dinner that tastes like Friday night in a dish.

PREP

15m

COOK

30m

SERVES

1 CUP

920 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep · ~10 min
Preheat the oven and boil the pasta.
1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pinch of salt.
3.Cook fusilli pasta until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
TIPUndercooking the pasta slightly prevents it from getting mushy during baking.
saute · ~10 min
Brown the ground beef.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes.
3.Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4.Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5.Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
mix · ~3 min
Combine the meat sauce.
1.Pour pizza sauce into the skillet with the browned beef.
2.Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
3.Remove from heat.
assemble · ~5 min
Layer the casserole in the baking dish.
1.Spread one-third of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2.Layer half of the cooked pasta evenly over the sauce.
3.Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
4.Add another third of the meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta.
5.Top with the final third of meat sauce, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and all the parmesan cheese.
6.Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the top and sprinkle with dried oregano.
bake · ~25 min
Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden.
1.Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
3.Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
TIPFor a crispier cheese top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning.
garnish
Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
1.Scatter chopped fresh basil over the hot casserole.
2.Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use the curly fusilli or rotini; their crevices trap the sauce and cheese better than straight pasta.
2
Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
3
Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes so it stays al dente after baking.
4
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for clean, firm slices.
5
For an extra bubbly topping, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes and watch closely.
6
Assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate; add 5-10 minutes to bake time.

RECIPE VARIATIONS