Sausage And Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
A hearty casserole combining Italian sausage, pepperoni, noodles, and cheesy sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crumble the sausage into a medium skillet and cook over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the sausage and drain on paper towels.
- In a large lightly greased casserole dish, layer half of the cooked noodles.
- Add half of the cooked sausage and half of the pizza sauce.
- Repeat with the second layer of noodles, sausage, and remaining pizza sauce.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and reserve several pepperoni slices for garnish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try using a combination of Italian sausage and turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can substitute the wide noodles with penne or rigatoni for a different texture. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the dish, making it similar to Italian recipes like Sausage Bell Peppers. Don't forget to reserve some pepperoni for garnish before baking!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a nice touch. It also pairs beautifully with Soprasta (Salami) Pesto Bread for a satisfying Italian-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Pepperoni Pizza Casserole contains roughly 461 calories, with 25g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (56% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage for a lighter dish or spicy sausage for more heat. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before layering it in the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the layers for an extra flavor boost. You could also mix in some sautéed onions or bell peppers to complement the sausage and pepperoni.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).