Next Level Pizza Casserole

Mamma mia, this pizza casserole is next level!

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Next Level Pizza Casserole

Makes at least 6 servings

12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta

2 tablespoons canola or olive oil

1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fennel seed

1 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

8 ounces ground beef

8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, loose

2 tablespoons butter

8 ounces sliced cremini (baby bella) mushrooms

24 ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce

Torn fresh basil leaves

1 cup ricotta

1/2 cup Parmesan

1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

1 small red onion,quartered and thinly sliced

4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts

Pepperoni slices, to top (about 3 ounces)

Anchovy fillets, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray or butter 9 x 13 aluminum pan or casserole baking dish.

Cook pasta according to package instructions, about 2 minutes less than al dente. Drain and set aside.

To large skillet or Dutch oven, add oil, heat till shimmering. Sauté onion, garlic, till softened, about 6 minutes.

Add beef, sausage, cook till no longer pink.

Stir in fennel, celery seeds, red pepper flakes.

Stir in and melt butter (next level!) add mushrooms, cook 3 minutes more. Add sauce, heat.

Layer: into prepared dish, spread the bottom with a spoon of the sauce mixture.

Then 1/2 pasta, 1/2 basil, 1/2 ricotta, 1/2 parmesan, 1/3 italian cheeses, 1/2 sauce mixture

Then 1/2 pasta, 1/2 basil, 1/2 ricotta, 1/2 parmesan, 1/3 italian cheeses, 1/2 sauce mixture.

Pat down, add last 1/3 italian cheeses. Top with pepperoni slices, red onion, and anchovies (if using). Bake uncovered 25 minutes.

Top with sliced green onions, let rest out of oven 15 minutes before serving.

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