Introduction: A Comfort Food Classic

Pizza and casserole lovers, this recipe is for you! Imagine the cheesy goodness and savory flavors of a classic pizza, but in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole form. The Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef and Pepperoni is the perfect marriage of two beloved dishes: the hearty flavors of a pizza combined with the ease and convenience of a casserole. It’s a one-dish wonder that everyone in your family will love.

This dish is rich, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor. From the seasoned ground beef to the gooey mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and hearty pasta, every bite is a satisfying experience. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights or when you want something filling and indulgent with minimal effort.

So, let’s jump right into the recipe for this mouthwatering Pizza Casserole!

Ingredients

To make the Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef and Pepperoni, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • For the Casserole:
    • 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef is ideal, but you can use regular beef if you prefer a richer flavor. You can also substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
    • 1 small onion, diced – Adds a savory depth to the beef mixture.
    • 1 cup diced green bell pepper – For color and crunch.
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic flavor.
    • 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce – The base of your “pizza” flavor, which will help bind everything together and give that pizza-esque richness to the dish.
    • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni) – This is your “crust” base, offering that classic pizza-and-pasta combination.
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The perfect melty cheese that brings the pizza flavor alive.
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For extra sharp flavor and gooeyness.
    • 1 cup pepperoni slices – This adds the signature pizza topping flavor.
    • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – The secret to that authentic pizza taste.
    • Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the meat mixture and balancing the flavors.
  • For the Topping:
    • 1 cup pepperoni slices – For a crispy, flavorful topping that complements the gooey cheese underneath.
    • Fresh parsley or basil – Optional, for garnish.

Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef and Pepperoni:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Season the Mixture: Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the Pizza Sauce: Pour in 1 can of pizza sauce and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer with the beef mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Cook the Pasta: While the beef mixture is simmering, cook your 2 cups of pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Layer the Pasta: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom.
  2. Combine with Beef Mixture: Pour the ground beef mixture on top of the pasta, spreading it out evenly to cover the pasta completely.
  3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture. You want the cheese to melt into the sauce and beef for a gooey, cheesy result.
  4. Top with Pepperoni: Lay 1 cup of pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. This is the pizza topping that will crisp up nicely during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown, and the pepperoni is crispy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Let it Cool: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice.
  2. Garnish: If desired, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
  3. Serve: Slice the casserole into squares and serve while hot. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Each serving of Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef and Pepperoni is packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown:

  • Calories: ~450-500 kcal
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Fiber: ~3g

These values are based on 6 servings per recipe. The exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: If you want a lighter option, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. For extra flavor, you can opt for a blend of beef and sausage.
  2. Adjust the Spice Level: Add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture if you want an extra kick of heat. You can also use a spicier pizza sauce to boost the flavor.
  3. Layer the Cheese: For a cheesier casserole, add a third type of cheese like provolone or gouda for a different texture and flavor profile.
  4. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the beef mixture, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or olives, to make the casserole more hearty.
  5. Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and replace it with a mix of mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed pizza casserole.
  2. Low-Carb Version: To make it low-carb, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
  3. Cheese Lovers: Add an extra layer of cheese to the casserole, using mozzarella, provolone, or even some parmesan for added richness.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • Refrigerating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it without baking, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with different cheese combinations, such as provolone, gouda, or even ricotta for a creamy twist.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add other pizza toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, like olives, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage, to the beef mixture.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef and Pepperoni is the perfect comfort food that combines the flavors of pizza with the ease of a casserole. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or making it for a fun weekend meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, cheesy layers, savory ground beef, and crispy pepperoni in every bite!