Ziti Pepperoni Casserole
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this irresistibly cheesy Ziti Pepperoni Casserole. Packed with tender ziti pasta, a hearty ground beef marinara sauce, and layers of gooey mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, this baked dish is elevated with slices of savory pepperoni for a crowd-pleasing twist. Each bite bursts with rich Italian flavors, enhanced by a hint of red pepper flakes and fragrant Italian seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole is baked until golden and bubbly, then garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this comforting creation straight from the oven for a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown it, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Stir the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to ensure even coating.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Add a layer of pepperoni slices over the cheese, reserving a few slices for the top.
Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the pepperoni. Add another layer of ricotta, then the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Place the reserved pepperoni slices on top for garnish.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5569 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 306.6 g | 393% | |
| Saturated Fat | 130.1 g | 650% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 965 mg | 322% | |
| Sodium | 9626 mg | 419% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 432.0 g | 157% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.9 g | 146% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.3 g | ||
| Protein | 301.1 g | 602% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4245 mg | 327% | |
| Iron | 32.6 mg | 181% | |
| Potassium | 3156 mg | 67% | |
*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.
