Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole brings all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza into a hearty baked pasta dish. Made with savory ground beef, marinara, melty mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoni, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to prep and always a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef (or substitute Italian sausage)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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32 ounces marinara sauce
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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16 ounces pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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12 slices pepperoni (or more to taste)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. -
Cook the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened. -
Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to blend the flavors. -
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a large bowl until fully combined. -
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella. Add the pepperoni slices on top. -
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
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Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
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For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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Swap mozzarella with provolone or a blend for extra cheesiness.
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Add black olives, mushrooms, or sliced jalapeños for a loaded pizza vibe.
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Great for leftovers—store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired