Ultimate Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Indulge in this Ultimate Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, a delicious fusion of classic pizza flavors in a comforting casserole form. This dish features savory Italian sausage, hearty pepperoni, and gooey cheddar cheese layered with tender egg noodles and rich pizza sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is easy to make and is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Serve it hot right out of the oven or save some for delightful leftovers; it’s just as good the next day!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
wide egg noodles
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
pizza sauce
2 (14 ounce) jars (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (none)
sliced pepperoni
6 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium skillet, crumble the Italian sausage and cook over medium heat until browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain any excess grease.
3
In a large, lightly greased casserole dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with half of the cooked egg noodles at the bottom.
4
Next, add half of the cooked sausage on top of the noodles, followed by half of the pizza sauce and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add half of the sliced pepperoni on top.
5
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: add the rest of the noodles, sausage, pizza sauce, and top with the remaining cheese and pepperoni slices, reserving a few pepperoni for garnish.
6
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden cheese topping. Once done, serve immediately and enjoy!
8
For leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish that combines classic pizza flavors like Italian sausage, pepperoni, and pizza sauce with tender egg noodles and melted cheddar cheese in a layered casserole format.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of Italian sausage, 12 ounces of wide egg noodles, two 14-ounce jars of pizza sauce, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 6 ounces of sliced pepperoni.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?
Yes, while the recipe calls for cheddar, mozzarella or a pizza cheese blend would also work perfectly for a more traditional pizza flavor.
Do I need to cook the egg noodles before assembling the casserole?
Yes, the wide egg noodles should be cooked according to the package directions before you begin layering them in the dish.
Is it necessary to brown the Italian sausage first?
Yes, you must crumble and cook the sausage in a skillet until browned and fully cooked, then drain the excess grease before adding it to the casserole.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Start with half the noodles, then half the sausage, half the sauce, one cup of cheese, and half the pepperoni. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining ingredients.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with foil for the majority of the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly without burning the cheese.
When should I remove the foil during baking?
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese topping to become golden and bubbly.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you are ready to serve. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if it is cold from the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! With its pizza-inspired flavors and pasta base, it is a very family-friendly meal that is popular with both kids and adults.
Can I add vegetables to this pizza casserole?
Yes, you can easily customize it by adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or black olives to the layers.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Can I use turkey sausage or turkey pepperoni instead?
Yes, turkey-based alternatives can be used as a leaner option for the meat components.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A standard large casserole dish, such as a 9x13 inch pan, works best for this recipe.
Does the recipe include any seasonings?
The seasonings primarily come from the Italian sausage and the pizza sauce, though you can add extra Italian herbs if desired.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose; use mild sausage for a kid-friendly version or hot sausage for a kick.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While wide egg noodles are recommended for their texture, you could use rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta instead.
What should I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread makes an excellent side dish for this hearty casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?
Be sure to thoroughly drain the excess grease from the Italian sausage after browning it in the skillet.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Yes, homemade pizza sauce can be used in place of the two 14-ounce jars for even more flavor.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a meal that takes less than 60 minutes to prepare and bake.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and pepperoni or replace them with plant-based meat substitutes and extra vegetables.
What makes this 'Ultimate'?
The combination of generous portions of meat, double layers of cheese, and the use of rich pizza sauce creates a more indulgent flavor profile than standard pasta bakes.
Is the pepperoni added to every layer?
Yes, half is placed in the middle layer and the other half is placed on the very top, with some reserved for garnish.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is heated through to the center and the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to bubble.