Description
This Pizza Casserole recipe combines all the flavors of a classic pizza into an easy-to-make, cheesy pasta bake. Perfect for a family dinner, this comforting dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta,
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 pound ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce,
Toppings:
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (plus more for topping), 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 green bell pepper (chopped), 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional), cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce and remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, half of the pepperoni, bell pepper, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and additional pepperoni slices. Add olives if using. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or jalapeños.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- This dish freezes well—just wrap tightly and bake from frozen when needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
