Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, a mouthwatering fusion of comforting pasta bake and classic pizza flavors. This family-friendly casserole layers tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based pizza sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and crispy pepperoni slices for an irresistible finish. Featuring bold Italian seasoning, a hint of garlic, and a customizable kick of red pepper flakes, this dish delivers all the satisfaction of a loaded pizza in baked casserole form. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, with easy prep and a golden, bubbly cheese topping that steals the show. Serve it warm with a fresh parsley garnish and pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 24 oz pizza sauce
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 25 pieces pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until well coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the top layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.9 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 1575 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.5 g | ||
| Protein | 34.8 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 472 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 801 mg | 17% | |
*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.
