Description
Hearty pepperoni pizza casserole brings comfort food and classic Italian flavors together in one delightful dish. Cheesy layers of pasta, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2025 pepperoni slices
Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring even temperature distribution for optimal cooking.
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles. Eliminate excess grease completely.
- Incorporate pizza sauce and Italian seasoning into the beef, simmering for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and develop a rich, savory base.
- Grease a baking dish and create the first layer using half the cooked pasta, spreading evenly across the bottom.
- Distribute half the seasoned beef mixture over the pasta, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheeses to create a hearty, structured casserole.
- Artfully arrange pepperoni slices across the top layer, covering the entire surface for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni to add a crisp, tangy finish.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns golden brown with crispy edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and flavors to intensify.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the dish.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, provolone, or a four-cheese mix for more complex flavor profiles.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach between layers to increase nutrient density and create a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 569 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg