Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes). If using, toss in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the Sauce
Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the beef sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese.
6. Add the Toppings
Top the casserole with mini pepperoni slices, Parmesan cheese, and black olives for a true pizza feel.
7. Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Pizza Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheese for the best flavor.
- Try Different Meats: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add More Veggies: Load up your casserole with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread
- A glass of your favorite red wine or sparkling water
Storage and Reheating
- To Store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- To Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines everything you love about pizza and pasta. Its rich, cheesy layers and savory toppings make it a dish you’ll return to time and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a slice of this warm, cheesy heaven!
Enjoy!