Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is a family-friendly, comforting dish that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in a hearty casserole. Loaded with ground beef, pasta, pizza sauce, and plenty of cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. It’s like having a slice of pizza, but in a deliciously cheesy baked form!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you love pizza but want something a little different, this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is the perfect solution. It’s filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and plenty of pizza toppings. The best part is that it’s all baked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. With classic pizza ingredients and flavors, this casserole is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In the skillet with the beef, add the pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, sliced pepperoni, black olives, and chopped bell pepper if using.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Cook Notes & Tips
- Pasta Choice: Penne, rotini, or any short pasta shape works well for this casserole. Make sure to cook it al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses such as provolone or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Variations
- Veggie Lover’s Version: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to the casserole for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
- Meat Lover’s Casserole: Use a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni for a heartier, meatier dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. The cooking instructions remain the same.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is a fun, easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a comforting casserole form. With tender pasta, savory beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious combination of pizza and pasta in one dish!
Happy Cooking!
I don抰 even know how I ended up here, however I thought this publish was once great. I don’t recognize who you’re but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger when you are not already 😉 Cheers!
The things i have observed in terms of computer system memory is that there are features such as SDRAM, DDR etc, that must fit the requirements of the mother board. If the pc’s motherboard is reasonably current and there are no operating system issues, improving the ram literally requires under an hour. It’s among the list of easiest laptop upgrade methods one can envision. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
Hello. remarkable job. I did not expect this. This is a excellent story. Thanks!