I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly evening, and my family was craving something cozy and comforting. I had a few ingredients on hand and decided to try a new twist on pizza night. The result was a hit—each bite delivered the familiar, comforting flavors of pizza, but with the added heartiness and ease of a casserole. The recipe quickly became a staple in our meal rotation, and it’s been a favorite ever since. The blend of lean ground turkey, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, combined with the crispy turkey pepperoni, makes for a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
1 lb ground lean turkey (97% lean)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
30 oz Hunt’s tomato sauce (or 2 cans, 15 oz tomatoes with no added sugar)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 ounces rotini pasta (low carb)
1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1 cup no-fat mozzarella cheese
32 slices of turkey pepperoni (approx. 2 oz), divided
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
Additional zero-point vegetables (optional, for added nutrition)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly hot and bubbly.
2. Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Make sure to cook it thoroughly, as this will ensure the best texture for your casserole. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, tomato sauce, 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, 16 slices of turkey pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. If you’re adding zero-point vegetables (like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach), fold them into the mixture at this stage for added nutrition.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared dish, ensuring that it’s well distributed.
Top the casserole with the remaining cheese, the remaining 16 slices of turkey pepperoni, and the sliced black olives. This will create a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful top layer that will become crispy and golden during baking.
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to start melting.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The uncovered baking time allows the top to crisp up and develop a delicious texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into portions.
Cut the casserole into 12 equal servings. Each serving is hearty and packed with the delicious flavors of pizza, combined with the satisfying texture of a casserole.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based meat substitute or additional vegetables.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. You can use shredded cheddar, provolone, or a combination of cheeses to customize the flavor.
Sauce Options: If you prefer a chunkier texture, use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity if desired.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value of the casserole by adding more vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work well and blend seamlessly into the dish.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Make sure that the other ingredients, such as the tomato sauce and turkey pepperoni, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Easy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the best of pizza and casserole worlds. Its savory blend of ground turkey, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, topped with crispy turkey pepperoni, creates a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this casserole fits the bill perfectly.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. With its easy preparation and hearty flavor, it’s a dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of Easy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, and savor the smiles it brings to your table.
