Description
Ever wanted to enjoy all the flavors of a pepperoni pizza in a warm, comforting casserole? Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the perfect recipe! This easy dish combines ground beef, pasta, spaghetti sauce, gooey mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni for a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 to mimic pizza’s meaty toppings.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Acts as the pizza sauce, providing tangy, tomatoey flavor.
- Spiral or Cavatappi Pasta: Holds the sauce and cheese for a satisfying texture; spiral shapes trap flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creates the classic, stretchy, melty pizza topping.
- Pepperoni: Delivers spicy, smoky flavor, the star of any pepperoni pizza.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Onion: Use red onion, shallots, or omit for a simpler dish.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Replace with marinara, pizza sauce, or a homemade tomato sauce.
- Pasta: Substitute with penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Mozzarella: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Pepperoni: Swap with turkey pepperoni, salami, or omit for a vegetarian version (add mushrooms or bell peppers).
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check pepperoni and sauce for additives.
- Lower Fat: Use lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey pepperoni.
- Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives with the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a layer of jalapeños.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Cook 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Chop 1 large onion.
- Measure 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, and 8 ounces sliced pepperoni.
- Grease two 13×9-inch baking dishes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tip: Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, cook 2 pounds ground beef and 1 chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain: Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to remove beef and onion, leaving fat behind.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Sauce and Pasta: In the skillet, stir 3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce and the cooked pasta into the beef and onion mixture. Mix until well combined.
Tip: Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly without breaking it.
Step 4: Assemble the Casseroles
- Divide Mixture: Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into the two greased 13×9-inch baking dishes.
- 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 for full coverage.
Tip: Layer pepperoni evenly to ensure every bite has that spicy kick.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tip: Check at 25 minutes; if the cheese is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the casseroles cool for 5 minutes, then cut into squares and serve hot.