Looking for a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional pizza? Look no further than this delicious Pepperoni Pizza Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines all the classic flavors of a pepperoni pizza into a convenient casserole format. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef, pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Personalize your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole by adding your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, onions, or even pineapple.
- Enhance the nutritional value of the casserole by incorporating a layer of sliced bell peppers or olives for added veggies and color.
- For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the casserole before baking.
Conclusion:
With its combination of savory meats, gooey cheeses, and zesty sauce, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole offers a delightful twist on the classic pizza flavors. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this casserole is bound to impress. Enjoy!
- Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for rotini pasta, you can certainly substitute it with other pasta shapes such as penne, farfalle (bowtie), or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking. - Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole by omitting the ground beef and pepperoni slices. Instead, you can add in your favorite vegetarian protein options such as diced tofu, vegetarian sausage crumbles, or even a medley of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Additionally, you can explore plant-based alternatives for the cheese or use dairy-free cheese substitutes to suit your dietary preferences. - Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and then bake according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator. - How can I store leftovers, and how long will they keep?
Leftovers of Pepperoni Pizza Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings for quick reheating or transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. If the casserole appears dry after reheating, you can add a splash of extra pizza sauce or a drizzle of olive oil to moisten it up. Just make sure to discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness. - Can I freeze this casserole for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Pepperoni Pizza Casserole for future meals. To freeze, assemble the casserole as instructed but refrain from baking it. Instead, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and odor absorption. Label the dish with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking it according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that frozen casseroles may require slightly longer baking times, so be sure to check for doneness before serving.
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole layers tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all topped with zesty pepperoni slices. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
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12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
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1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup sliced pepperoni
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Meat Sauce:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned.
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Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
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Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer.
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Add half of the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture, another cup of mozzarella cheese, and the remaining pepperoni slices.
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
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Bake:
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish with optional toppings like sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms if desired.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
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Notes
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Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a combination of both for added flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or additional bell peppers.
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Cheese Options: For a different flavor, try using a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.