Rigatoni Sausage Pepperoni Casserole for a Crowd
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Rigatoni Sausage Pepperoni Casserole for a Crowd—a deliciously cheesy, flavor-packed dish designed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this casserole combines al dente rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, and zesty pepperoni slices, all layered with rich marinara sauce and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this baked masterpiece emerges golden, bubbly, and irresistibly aromatic. Garnished with fresh basil for a bright finish, it’s a one-dish dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for feeding 12 or for meal prepping indulgent leftovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Rigatoni pasta
- 2 pounds Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 ounces Pepperoni slices
- 8 cups Marinara sauce
- 6 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 1 handful Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9x13-inch casserole dish or two medium-sized dishes.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, sausage marinara mixture, half of the pepperoni slices, 4 cups of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for a decorative finish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, crowd-pleasing dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
682 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.6 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1711 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.6 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 36.6 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 526 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 261 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
