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Snack & Go: Homemade Travel Treats + Printable

Pizza Casserole

November 19, 2024

Posted On

Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, one of the best ways to come home feeling relaxed and ready to unwind is by preparing a frozen casserole before you leave. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for your post-trip routine:

1. Stress-Free Meal After Travel

Coming home from a trip is exciting, but the last thing you want to do after unpacking is spend hours in the kitchen. Freezing a casserole before you leave means you have a home-cooked meal waiting for you. Simply pop it in the oven, and you can enjoy a comforting dish without the hassle of meal prep.

2. Saves Time and Energy

After the energy of traveling, cooking from scratch might feel like a chore. With a frozen casserole, the hard work is done. You’ve already assembled the ingredients, and it’s ready to heat and serve. It’s a quick and easy way to nourish yourself without thinking about it.

3. Perfect for Busy Families

If you’re traveling with family or roommates, everyone will appreciate having a warm, satisfying meal ready to go. A casserole can feed a crowd and offers built-in leftovers, saving even more time and effort in the days after your trip.

4. No Need for Delivery or Takeout

While it’s tempting to rely on delivery when you’re too tired to cook, it can be costly and unhealthy. A frozen casserole provides a homemade, wholesome meal that’s just as easy as ordering out—without the extra expense or preservatives.

5. Tastes Better Than You Think

Many casseroles actually taste better after they’ve been frozen. The flavors have more time to meld, and when reheated, they’re just as satisfying as the day you made them. It’s like coming home to a delicious, comforting gift from your past self!

So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to prep a casserole. It’s a simple, practical way to make your return home feel like a treat. This recipe below is one of our favorites to come home to!

Pizza Casserole

The perfect freezer meal does exist!

Print Rate

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Servings:

Ingredients

4 cups penne pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb ground beef with beef organs
1 pack of Bacon, uncured cooked and chopped up small
9 9 pepperoni slices
1 small onion chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 cloves garlic minced
24 ounce jar marinara pasta sauce or homemade pizza sauce*
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat with pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic, mushrooms, and olives. Add the cooked penne pasta and pasta sauce, then toss everything together until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top, depending on your cheese preference. Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Notes

Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover it with a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, bake as directed.

Tip: For best results, add a little extra sauce to the pasta before freezing. The noodles tend to absorb some of the sauce as they freeze, so this ensures the casserole stays nice and saucy when you bake it.