Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying dinner that combines the delicious flavors of pizza with the heartiness of a casserole, look no further! This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for pizza lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next family meal, potluck, or even a cozy night in. Packed with mozzarella cheese, savory sausage or beef, zesty pizza sauce, and plenty of pepperoni, this casserole is a flavorful, one-pan wonder. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time.

Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a true comfort food classic, combining all the best elements of pizza with the hearty goodness of pasta. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be a chef to make this dish. The prep time is minimal, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples.

Family-Friendly: This casserole is loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to please picky eaters, and you can easily adapt it to suit everyone’s preferences.

Versatile: You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite pizza toppings or adjusting the seasonings. Make it spicier with hot pepperoni, add extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, or use a combination of meats like sausage and pepperoni.

Comforting & Satisfying: The gooey mozzarella, savory sauce, and crisped-up pepperoni are a comforting combo that’ll make this a regular on your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that come together to make this irresistible casserole:

12 oz pasta: Penne, rotini, or ziti are great choices for this dish. The shape of the pasta helps trap the sauce, making every bite extra flavorful.

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Both options bring a rich, savory flavor to the casserole. Ground beef gives a classic taste, while Italian sausage adds a bit of spice and extra flavor.

1 small onion, diced: Onions add a subtle sweetness that balances out the acidity of the tomato sauce.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for adding depth to the sauce and seasoning the meat mixture.

24 oz pizza sauce: A good-quality pizza sauce is the base of this casserole, giving it that familiar pizza flavor. You can also use marinara sauce if you prefer.

14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add texture and a burst of freshness to the casserole. Drain them before adding to avoid excess moisture.

1 tsp Italian seasoning: This classic herb blend adds an aromatic and savory kick to the sauce.

½ tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the sauce and meat.

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the ultimate pizza cheese, melting beautifully to create that classic, gooey texture.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and rounds out the dish.

1 cup sliced pepperoni: The star of the casserole! The pepperoni crisps up in the oven, adding extra flavor and a satisfying texture.

1 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking the pasta and sautéing the meat and onions.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Follow these simple steps to assemble this mouthwatering casserole:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it hot and ready for baking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

Prepare the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, along with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Start by layering half of the cooked pasta in the dish. Top it with half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella.

Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole and arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly on top. The pepperoni will crisp up and become deliciously flavorful as the casserole bakes.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni is crispy.

Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. Serve it up hot and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, pizza-inspired meal!

Serving Suggestions for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

While this casserole is a meal all on its own, it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks to complete your dinner:

Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread to dip into the cheesy sauce.

Roasted Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or a medley of vegetables make for a healthy and colorful side dish.

Beverages: Pair the casserole with a chilled glass of red wine or a cold soda. For a lighter option, sparkling water with lemon is always refreshing.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Customizing the Toppings: Feel free to swap out the pepperoni for your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

Make It Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.

Cheese Variations: You can mix in some cheddar cheese for a different flavor or use a blend of Italian cheeses.

Prep Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings)

Fat: 24g

Carbohydrates: 39g

Protein: 28g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and pasta—in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or when you just want to enjoy a hearty meal with your loved ones, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a satisfying, cheesy, and pepperoni-packed dinner!

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