MEAT-LOVER'S PIZZA CASSEROLE

Meat-Lover's Pizza Casserole image

Italian sausage, bacon and pepperoni star in a hearty casserole that's sure to satisfy.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Ingredients

1 lb uncooked ziti or other tubular pasta
1/2 lb bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (15 oz each) pizza sauce
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1/2 package (3.5-oz size) sliced pepperoni
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 3-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package using minimum cook time. Return to saucepan.
Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook and stir sausage, onion, bell pepper and garlic over medium-high heat about 7 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink and onion is softened. Stir in pizza sauce, bacon and pepperoni. Pour mixture over cooked pasta; stir. Spoon half of pasta mixture (about 4 cups) into casserole. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon remaining pasta mixture on top.
Bake 30 minutes; top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until hot and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 540, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1350 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g