Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish that combines all the flavors of a classic pizza into an easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish features layers of pasta, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese for a comforting, pizza-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package (6 oz) pepperoni slices
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds for a classic pizza flavor

For Serving:

• Garlic bread
• Side salad

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for an additional minute.
4. Drain any excess fat and remove the skillet from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the browned beef mixture, and the marinara or pizza sauce. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
2. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta.
4. Layer half of the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
5. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining cheese and pepperoni slices.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad.

Cooking Notes

• Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Overcooking it during the boiling step may lead to mushy pasta in the final dish.
• Pepperoni: You can use turkey pepperoni or mini pepperoni for a lighter version or different texture.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Skip the meat and add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.

2. Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

3. Supreme Pizza Casserole

Add toppings like black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and sliced onions for a supreme pizza-inspired version.

4. Low-Carb Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version of this casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven.

Q: Can I freeze Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Choose your favorite, or whatever you have on hand.

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the flavors of pizza and pasta into one easy, cheesy, and delicious meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or any occasion when you’re craving pizza in casserole form. Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings and enjoy this fun and satisfying dish!