Introduction: Craving a Cheesy, Pizza-Inspired Dish?
Want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the flavors of pizza with the comfort of a casserole? Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate recipe! This oven-baked dish features ground beef, pasta, zesty spaghetti sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, creating a pizza lover’s dream. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day feasts, it’s easy to make and serves a crowd. Ready to create a delicious, kid-friendly dish? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Overview: Why Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Is Special
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, satisfying dish that brings pizza vibes to a shareable casserole format. Its simplicity and bold flavors make it stand out. Here’s why it’s so special:
- Time Requirement: About 20 minutes prep, 25-30 minutes baking, for a total of about 45-50 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Simple cooking, mixing, and baking steps make it ideal for beginners or busy cooks.
- Why It’s Unique: This casserole combines the best parts of pizza—savory beef, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni—with hearty pasta for a filling meal. It makes two large casseroles, perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or freezing one for later. With 70 reviews praising its flavor and ease, it’s a proven hit for pizza fans of all ages.
This recipe is cheesy, versatile, and perfect for pizza lovers or fans of comforting casseroles. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
This recipe makes 2 casseroles, serving 20 (10 servings each), and uses pantry staples for a bold dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained
- 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces sliced pepperoni
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory protein.
- Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Brings tangy, tomatoey pizza-like taste.
- Pasta: Spiral or cavatappi holds sauce for a satisfying texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a gooey, stretchy topping.
- Pepperoni: Delivers classic pizza flavor and a spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Onion: Use 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 cup frozen diced onions.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Replace with marinara, pizza sauce, or homemade tomato sauce.
- Pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or rotini (same weight).
- Mozzarella: Swap with a mozzarella-provolone blend or cheddar for a twist.
- Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni, salami, or omit for a meatless option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free.
- Veggie-Packed: Add 1 cup diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives with the sauce.
- Spicy Casserole: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is quick and straightforward, with minimal prep and a simple bake. Follow these steps for a perfect dish!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop 1 large onion.
- Measure 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce.
- Cook and drain 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta according to package instructions.
- Shred 4 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese (if not pre-shredded).
- Measure 8 ounces sliced pepperoni.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tip: Cook pasta al dente (slightly firm) to prevent mushiness in the casserole; chop onion finely for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 2 pounds ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Drain excess grease from the skillet to reduce oiliness.
Tip: Break up beef with a wooden spoon while cooking; use a colander to drain fat thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Sauce and Pasta: In the skillet, stir in 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce and cooked, drained pasta. Mix until evenly coated.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta; ensure sauce coats everything for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casseroles
- Grease Dishes: Grease two 13×9-inch baking dishes with cooking spray or butter.
- Divide Mixture: Evenly divide the beef-pasta mixture between the two dishes (about 5 cups per dish).
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over each casserole (4 cups total).
- Top with Pepperoni: Arrange 4 ounces sliced pepperoni over the top of each casserole, overlapping slightly.
Tip: Spread mixture evenly for consistent baking; place pepperoni in a single layer for a pizza-like look.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake Uncovered: Place both casseroles in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tip: Check at 25 minutes; if cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rotate dishes halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Let casseroles cool for 5 minutes for easier serving.
- Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and serve hot, with optional sides like a green salad or garlic bread.
Tip: Use a spatula to serve neat portions; garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flair.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Assembling Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is all about layering hearty ingredients for a cheesy, pizza-like dish. Here’s how to put it together:
- Cook Beef and Onion: Brown beef with onions for a savory base.
- Mix with Sauce and Pasta: Combine with spaghetti sauce and pasta for heartiness.
- Layer in Dishes: Spread into baking dishes for even cooking.
- Top with Cheese and Pepperoni: Add mozzarella and pepperoni for pizza flavor.
- Bake and Serve: Bake until bubbly and serve hot.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style look.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of oregano for color.
- Pair with a Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or breadsticks.
- Use a colorful or white baking dish to highlight the red sauce and golden cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
- Family Dinner: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Game-Day Feast: Offer with wings, nachos, or veggies and dip for a party spread.
- Potluck Hit: Bring one casserole to share and keep the other for home.
- Kid-Friendly Lunch: Pack leftovers in lunchboxes with a side of fruit.
- With Extras: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan for flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is great for leftovers, freezing, or prep-ahead convenience. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Cool completely, then cover casseroles tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep: Cook beef-pasta mixture and assemble casseroles up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
- Pasta: Cook pasta up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Assemble casseroles but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes.
Tip: Portion leftovers for quick meals; freeze one casserole for a future dinner to save time.
Recipe Variations
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Supreme Pizza Casserole: Add 1/2 cup each diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives with the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, sauce, and pepperoni.
- Low-Fat: Use lean ground turkey, reduced-fat mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni.
- Spicy Pizza Casserole: Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Veggie Casserole: Replace beef with 2 cups sautéed zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Mix 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese into the pasta mixture before baking.
- Slow-Cooker Option: Cook beef and onion, mix with sauce and pasta, then layer in a greased 5-quart slow cooker with cheese and pepperoni. Cook on Low for 2-3 hours until heated through.
Tip: Keep the pepperoni-cheese-sauce combo for the pizza flavor.
Conclusion: Savor Your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole!
You’ve just made Pepperoni Pizza Casserole—a cheesy, hearty, and pizza-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This oven-baked recipe is easy, versatile, and so delicious it’ll become a go-to for family meals, parties, or potlucks. With 70 reviews raving about its flavor, you know it’s a winner. Grab a plate, scoop up the melty goodness, and enjoy the pizza vibes. What’s your favorite pizza topping to add? Share your ideas in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Description
Want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the flavors of pizza with the comfort of a casserole? Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate recipe! This oven-baked dish features ground beef, pasta, zesty spaghetti sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, creating a pizza lover’s dream.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 2 casseroles, serving 20 (10 servings each), and uses pantry staples for a bold dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3–1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained
- 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces sliced pepperoni
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory protein.
- Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Brings tangy, tomatoey pizza-like taste.
- Pasta: Spiral or cavatappi holds sauce for a satisfying texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a gooey, stretchy topping.
- Pepperoni: Delivers classic pizza flavor and a spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Onion: Use 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 cup frozen diced onions.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Replace with marinara, pizza sauce, or homemade tomato sauce.
- Pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or rotini (same weight).
- Mozzarella: Swap with a mozzarella-provolone blend or cheddar for a twist.
- Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni, salami, or omit for a meatless option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free.
- Veggie-Packed: Add 1 cup diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives with the sauce.
- Spicy Casserole: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop 1 large onion.
- Measure 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce.
- Cook and drain 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta according to package instructions.
- Shred 4 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese (if not pre-shredded).
- Measure 8 ounces sliced pepperoni.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tip: Cook pasta al dente (slightly firm) to prevent mushiness in the casserole; chop onion finely for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 2 pounds ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Drain excess grease from the skillet to reduce oiliness.
Tip: Break up beef with a wooden spoon while cooking; use a colander to drain fat thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Sauce and Pasta: In the skillet, stir in 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce and cooked, drained pasta. Mix until evenly coated.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta; ensure sauce coats everything for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casseroles
- Grease Dishes: Grease two 13×9-inch baking dishes with cooking spray or butter.
- Divide Mixture: Evenly divide the beef-pasta mixture between the two dishes (about 5 cups per dish).
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over each casserole (4 cups total).
- Top with Pepperoni: Arrange 4 ounces sliced pepperoni over the top of each casserole, overlapping slightly.
Tip: Spread mixture evenly for consistent baking; place pepperoni in a single layer for a pizza-like look.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake Uncovered: Place both casseroles in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tip: Check at 25 minutes; if cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rotate dishes halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Let casseroles cool for 5 minutes for easier serving.
- Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and serve hot, with optional sides like a green salad or garlic bread.
Tip: Use a spatula to serve neat portions; garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flair.
FAQs
Q: Is Pepperoni Pizza Casserole healthy?
A: Beef and cheese provide protein, but the dish is high in fat and sodium. Use lean meat, low-fat cheese, or add veggies for a lighter option. Pair with a salad for balance.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked beef?
A: Yes! Use 4 cups cooked, crumbled beef and sauté with onion to save time. Skip the draining step if no excess fat.
Q: Why is my casserole dry?
A: Overcooking pasta or using too little sauce can cause this. Cook pasta al dente and ensure sauce coats everything well.
Q: Can I make one casserole instead of two?
A: Yes, halve the ingredients and use one 13×9-inch dish, or make both and freeze one for later.
Q: Can I add other pizza toppings?
A: Absolutely! Mix in 1/2 cup each of your favorites like sausage, olives, or pineapple with the pasta mixture.
Q: Can I freeze Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
A: Yes! Freeze unbaked or baked casseroles for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then bake or reheat as directed.