My hubby is beyond addicted to this stuff! We finish one serving and he’s asking when I can make this recipe again haha

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole brings the beloved flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a comforting, easy-to-make pasta bake. Tender penne, savory Italian sausage, and melty mozzarella are layered with tangy pizza sauce and crispy pepperoni, creating a family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Pasta: To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Browning the Italian Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook the sausage until it turns brown and is fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller crumbles as it cooks for an even texture. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
4. Assembling the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Add half of the cooked penne pasta on top of the sauce, followed by half of the cooked Italian sausage. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage, and then add half of the sliced pepperoni. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of pepperoni and mozzarella on top.
5. Baking the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni turns crispy around the edges.
6. Adding the Finishing Touches: Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano over the top. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The aroma of the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole will make it hard to resist diving right in!

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Pepperoni Pizza Casserole as a fantastic family meal!