Monday, December 8, 2008

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole
Who doesn't like pizza? Okay - I know there are people who do - but I am not acquainted with any of them. I like this casserole because of the possibilities. I got it from Taste of Home and the boys loved it so much they took it to school the next day for lunch!

3 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained (why not use fresh ones....)
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 14 oz jar pizza sauce
3 oz tomato paste
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 3.5 oz pkg sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (I just have the kind in the canister. If you have fresh...by all means use it...)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or dutch oven - cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in mushrooms, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, tomato paste, sugar and seasonings. Drain pasta, stir into meat mixture.
Put half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Add 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Layer half of the pepperoni. Repeat layers starting with the pasta and ending with the pepperoni. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes longer.

**I like the possibilities. If you like meat on your pizzas - add more meat to your layers. If you only like veggies - leave out the meat and add veggies to your heart's content. If you only are a cheese pizza kind of person - just leave out the meat and veggies altogether!

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