Description
This hearty Mama’s Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a comforting baked pasta dish. Ground beef, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a savory tomato sauce layered with pasta make for an irresistible family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the dish. Layer half of the shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, and green bell pepper over the pasta. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta mixture and toppings.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize your pizza casserole by adding other favorite pizza toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, or banana peppers.
- This casserole freezes well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for busy days.
